Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
—1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

~~~~~
The Day After Tomorrow
By Jennifer Kane

The day after tomorrow—
yet no sun will rise.
The moon is a shadow,
the stars have fled the skies.
The trumpet has faded,
the fire has burned through,
The King has returned—
and all things are new.

The city streets echo
with a silence profound,
No laughter, no markets,
no life can be found.
The choices once hidden,
now bare in the light,
The truth stands unyielding—
the Judge has judged right.

For some, this forever
is joy without end,
Their Savior, their Shepherd,
their Brother, their Friend.
Their lamps had been burning,
their garments kept clean,
Now crowns are their glory,
their faith has been seen.

But others—oh, others—
thought time would remain,
That death could be bargained,
that grace could be feigned.
They scoffed at the warning,
ignored every plea,
Now bound to the darkness
where light may not be.

The day after tomorrow
is not for delay,
No bargains, no maybes,
no chance to repay.
The night will not warn you,
the thief will not call,
Be ready—be watching—
before it befalls.

For Christ is our armor,
our hope, and our light,
Our shield in the battle,
our song in the fight.
So cling to His mercy,
stand firm in His love,
And live for the morrow
that waits up above.

~~~~~

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

The apostle Paul warns: the day of the Lord will come suddenly. No one will be able to hide. No one will be able to negotiate for more time. Both believer and unbeliever are in danger if they treat God’s work lightly.

Hell is real. Judgment is certain. Yet how many live as though eternity were a myth? How many gamble their souls on the false hope that there will be “plenty of time later”? Every tick of the clock is one heartbeat closer to the moment Christ will return—or we will stand before Him in death.

The danger for the sinner is obvious: eternal separation from God. The danger for the Christian is subtle: to drift into spiritual slumber, losing our zeal, wasting precious time on trivialities while souls perish.

Charles Spurgeon cried out to his generation, “Do not waste your life—or your soul—on trifles while eternity hangs in the balance.” His words still blaze with truth.

To Christians: Shake Off Sloth

Do not linger in lukewarm devotion. The Lord Jesus bled in agony for the redemption of souls. Can we serve Him with half-hearted obedience? Rise from spiritual slumber! Watch and be sober. Pray fervently. Speak boldly. Love deeply. Live ready.

To Sinners: Wake Up

If you have not fled to Christ, delay is deadly. Sin hardens the heart daily. Tomorrow is not promised. Judgment is certain, and Christ is the only refuge. Run to the cross now. Trust in His sacrifice. His wounds are your only hope of pardon.

“God’s Spirit warns you now. Escape sin’s snare. Look to Jesus—there’s life in His sacrifice. Tomorrow may be too late.”

Let the truth grip you: Christ is coming—suddenly, certainly. The time to repent is now. The time to serve is now. The time to wake up is now.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, awaken our hearts to the urgency of Your return. Keep us clothed in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. Deliver us from spiritual slumber, and help us to live each moment ready to meet You. Give courage to the weary, conviction to the complacent, and repentance to the lost. Let Your light guide our steps until that glorious day when we see You face to face. Amen.

August 1 2025