Some people call this the time of Advent. How do you like this season? Man, I love Christmas time -- it’s a most wonderful time of year!

I love all of Fall from start to finish. Man, I hope you’re having a great Advent Season this year too. 

So what do you know of Simeon, an Advent-man of faith from back in the day? Did your family do anything for Advent time? Did y’all have any family traditions at Christmas time?

Been thinkin’ about the first Christmas and those alive at the time. Simeon was a great man in Jerusalem (Luke 2:25) who lived at the time Jesus was born. Simeon’s reputation was that of being “righteous and devout” (Luke 2:25). For generations the people of God waited for and expected a Messiah, a Savior. Simeon was like his fellow Israelites in that he waited “for the consolation of Israel” (verse 25). The concept of consolation implies comfort. The nation of Israel was waiting for God’s comfort, expecting that He would come and rescue them (Luke 23:50–51; Mark 15:43; Acts 10:22), just as He had done in delivering them from slavery and bringing them out of Egypt (Exodus 14). Simeon was unique in what he knew—namely, that he would see the Messiah with his own eyes, for “it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah” (Luke 2:26).

Joseph and Mary, in faithfulness to the Law, traveled to Jerusalem while Jesus was still an infant to present Him to God in the temple (Luke 2:22; cf. Exodus 13:1–2). It is during their visit to the temple that Simeon saw Jesus, the long-awaited “consolation of Israel.” We don’t know how long Simeon had waited, but we do know that he was led by the Spirit to go to the temple that day, and he recognized Jesus the moment he saw Him.

When Simeon saw the baby Jesus, he picked Him up in his arms and said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:29–32).

Simeon’s words assert that 1) Jesus would be the salvation of the world, 2) He would deliver truth not only to those in Israel but also to the Gentiles, and 3) Jesus would bring glory upon the people of Israel. Luke records that Jesus’ parents “marveled at what was said about him” (Luke 2:33).

You remember this story! Simeon spoke to Mary, Jesus’ earthly mother. He said, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34). In this prophecy, Simeon said that 1) some of the Jewish people would believe that Jesus is the “consolation of Israel,” and some would not, 2) there would be much opposition to Jesus in the future, 3) Jesus would reveal the truth, and 4) Jesus’ suffering would cause Mary much pain, personally.

Simeon stands as a testimony of how we, too, should anticipate the arrival of the Messiah. Simeon looked forward to Christ’s first coming, and we anticipate His second coming (see Acts 1:11 and Titus 2:13).

Jesus, the “consolation of Israel,” is the comfort of all those who believe in Him, and Simeon is a beacon of faith in an unbelieving world and a positive assurance that “hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5, NASB).

There are four men named Simeon in the Bible: Simeon, son of Jacob (Genesis 29:33); Simeon, a man in Jerusalem who met the baby Jesus (Luke 2:25); Simeon, named in the lineage of Jesus (Luke 3:30); and Simeon of the church in Antioch (Acts 13:1).

I was raised in a religious Roman church for a lot of years.. until I found out that God is not religious. He never was, but we kept a few good Christmas traditions around the holiday. I remember at my home growing up we would light Advent candles as we got closer to Christmas. Not sure why really. It did look nice like any lights do this time of year. I like the white, the gold, and even the multi colored lights this time of year. I like the white and the gold ones all year long. 

Advent means the arrival.. as in the coming of the most notable and noble personality in the whole universe. Jesus Christ -- I love Him and want to more so.  

You and me, we be livin’ between two advents of Christ here to this earth and from this we can be inspired in the Bible, edified by His kind Spirit, and totally motivated to go tell the Story. I mean our own story and share His Story too to help others and glorify the Lord. 

"And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." 1 John 3:3 nkjv 

I love these verses too -- this Bible story at Christmas time. Anyways here’s what we know of Simeon. 

"And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,

he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.’

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against ‘(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” Luke 2:22-35

Think about the second Advent (where Jesus comes as Sovereign). It’s not that far off really. And it’s just as sure (gunna happen) as Christ's first Advent (happened where Jesus came to earth as Savior -- any of us could be forgiven and saved as the Bible uses that term still). Second advent - Jesus will come again and we all need to be ready for Him.

What do I get from this story? Well, like Simeon believed God’s promise, and just like he sought Him.. we need to do the same. See Matthew 6:33. 

Simeon was longing for Him, and he was preparing to see His face. That’s what we are to long for -- to meet with, to see Jesus face to face. 

Simeon was older, but was looking up, praying up to God the Father, he wasn’t down or looking down. I want to do that too. I'm looking for the upper-taker not the undertaker. Live rapture ready even if you're mid or post trib.

"And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." 1 Jn. 2:28

The Rapture of the Church could happen real soon. There are no Bible prophecies that need to happen before it happens. 

Perhaps today? Let’s eagerly wait on the Lord knowing him in an ever closer and personal kinda way. Let’s live rapture-ready every day.  

"..so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." Hebrews 9:28

"For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." 2 Timothy 1:12

Simeon (in Luke 2:25) wasn’t grumpy or grippy, He had hope and a promise that he wouldn't die until he'd seen Jesus in His first advent. And it happened as he was told. God’s word always comes to pass.  

"He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." Rev. 22:21-22

Simeon means "pillar". The name Simeon also means God hearer and God receiver as well. Hey, you too can hear God’s Message today and you and received him into your heart. Sure, turn, trust and just invite him into your heart. 

Simeon's first priority was biblical worship and prayer. 

Listen, your best day is when you hear Jesus’ words, turn, trust, believe, worship! Yep, it'll also be when you see the face of Jesus like Simeon did. 

What beats a face to face relationship with Jesus for anyone? Nothing. 

So, got some questions about the deep-devotion of Simeon? For all of us our first ministry is biblical worship of God, and then while we can it's people-ward. 

Good idea: Let's know the Lord and make Him known this time of year. Let's sing His praises and make disciples by faith. Let's tactfully preach word in a non-preachy or pushy way, as well as go... Fish4souls.org

1. Who was Simeon in the Bible?
Who are the different men named Simeon in the Bible?
2. What can we learn from the tribe of Simeon?
Who be this devout man, Simeon? What does the Bible say about the tribe of Simeon?
3. What is the consolation of Israel?
What does it mean that Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel? Consolation has to do with comfort right?
4. What is the Nunc Dimittis?
What is the meaning of the Nunc Dimittis in Luke 2:29-32?
5. What was the Bar Kokhba revolt?
Was the Bar Kokhba revolt successful?
6. Who was Levi in the Bible?
Who was Levi in the Bible? What can I learn from what the Bible says about Levi?
7. What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?
Did she really stay a virgin, this wonderful lady, Mary? Is the Roman Catholic understanding of the virgin Mary biblical?
8. Why is the tribe of Dan missing from the 144,000 in Revelation chapter 7?
What happened to the tribe of Dan that resulted in it not being included in?
9. What can we learn from the tribe of Levi, you know the Levites?
Weren’t they all about proper worship the tribe of Levi?
10. What are the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs?
Are those even biblical?
11. Who was Joseph in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org
Who was Joseph in the Old Testament? How is understanding the life of Joseph valuable to our spiritual growth?
12. Who was Dinah in the Bible?
What happened between Dinah, Shechem, Hamor, Jacob, Simeon, and Levi?
13. What is the significance of Ramah in the Bible?
What biblical events happened in or near Ramah?
14. Do the narratives of Jesus’ birth contradict each other?
Nope, but the four humans that God used to write them like any author used slant because they were writing to different audiences in hopes of winning them to a relationship their first love passion -- Jesus. 

Photos by Abbie Melle

Lots of signs. In spite of the crimes, you and me ..we be in the end times!

Lots of windin' it up signs these days -- walk on through. Stick with the Lord, and with a healthy Bible teaching church. No time to wander away.  

Listen, for the believer, there are only two options for his or her departure to heaven.. it's either death or the Rapture. Restudy your biblical eschatology. We don't know which one comes first for us, so let's put Jesus first.

Two options for the lost? Nope, not so for the unbeliever, he or she will depart by physical death. We all each decide in this life where we will spend eternity in the next -- in either Heaven or Hell. God doesn't send people away -- the prideful, unrepentant rebellious send themselves to hell. I would say come to, or come back to Christ so you can be ready and know in your knower. 

"Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness.” Jeremiah 3:22

Am feelin' so grateful that God doesn't say get yourself all fixed up alone and then come, or dig yourself out of that ugly hole that you've made dude and then approach Me. He simply says Return Just As You Are.. With a Humble Willingness to be Changed from the inside out. He works in us both to will and then to do of His good pleasure. Doesn't for anyone. He'll make you more you than you've ever been before. 

Our duty is to simply cooperate with the Holy Spirit leading the way. We come faithless to him because he is faithful to forgive us when we ask Him to and then follow. We return with nothing, he gives everything. We turn, trust, believe and wisely apply God's word.

If we will open the door of our heart to Christ while here, then He will open the door for us to enter into eternal life with Him there in heaven. Which do you prefer for the next life, what'll it be.. smoking or non-smoking? And remember not to choose in these last days.. is to choose.

"Le coeur a des raisons que la raison ne connait pas." ~ Pascal

Means - the heart seems to have reasons that even reason doesn’t even know about.

Have you been a bit concerned about different things happening in the world around you. Have you wondered why your heart gets distracted after things of the world at times and you've got to say "No" to it and temptations? Perhaps you need a refill of the Spirit. Perhaps you need to sow to the Spirit in the word, prayer and fellowship and reject what your old man a.k.a. fleshly nature demands of you. It's time to be awake and strong in the Lord, focused on Christ and ready for anything that comes your way.  

Been trying to stay focused on what really matters and on what I can do. Have ya been a bit distracted lately? Have you seen some signs lately that clearly say we're in the end times? How's your heart, thoughts, attitude and human spirit? 

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:7 said, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

That's cuz God wants us to exercise this regarding things that matter. With Christ as Lord and the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us, we each are able to have self-control and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit as good witnesses in this corrupt world. We can live it and tell It--the Message and our own story. None who are born again need live as hypocrites, or periodic hypocrites!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

What did Jesus mean -- He said the Kingdom of God is inside of you.

Yeah in Luke 17:20–21 Christ said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you” (nkjv).

They were always trying to trap him with words. A pointed question was put to Jesus by the Pharisee detractors (puffed up religious haters) who had asked Him when the Kingdom of God would come  to earth (see verse 20). That was the context. 

When people sincerely repent of their sin, and believe in Christ, inviting Him asking Him to freely forgive them and to come inside to rule as Lord.. then guess what! Where the King of kings rules is where His Kingdom is. It starts in each heart that chooses Jesus the Father's only Solution for our sin prob. 

God knows what he has planned for believers here and for us later on too. So why go back to Egypt so to speak, why get distracted only to return to dumb idols.. to feeding your old nature.. or to be gullible regarding this world system? 

He sure knows all about those things, how they're not good for us, and about the excuses and reasons people give for doing what they do. He know the way, when and how. Please let Him have your whole heart today cuz He’ll keep it safe through the last days and for all eternity.. even if there's some suffering here. Wander not away, give your heart now.  

Oh, to grace how great a debtor

Daily I'm constrained to be

Let Thy goodness like a fetter

Bind my wandering heart to Thee

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it

Prone to leave the God I love

Here's my heart, oh take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts above

Here's my heart

Oh take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts above ~ Christopher M. Rice (Blog)

So many signs in our day. Have you been keeping your eyes open with a biblical worldview? 

Worldwide plagues (ie, makes me wonder about Covid, and this Delta Variant). 

Remember when Israel became a nation again in a day (that was a super sign). 

Now with bitcoin and cryptocurrency aren't we right on the verge of becoming a cashless society? Bible open and think about it.  

Israel Is Reborn!

Europe United! Won't the antichrist emerge and rule from there? 

Show me the money.. people say! Should Christians fear a cashless society? Naww, but let's be aware.

God more questions about the end times? What should we watch for? 

The Rise Of One World Religion!

The Temple Being Rebuilt In Jerusalem. They been collecting all the tools and utensils for this. Yes, the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem is a sign. The increased hostility toward Israel, and advances toward a one-world government are too. The most prominent sign of the end times, however, is the nation of Israel. In 1948, Israel was recognized as a sovereign state, essentially for the first time since AD 70.

 Should Israel be building settlements in the occupied territories, i.e., the West Bank and East Jerusalem?

What is the difference between Israel and Palestine?

Does the Bible prophesy of a one-world government and a one-world currency and a one world religion with it's leader in these end times?

What About The Rise Of A World Dictator. Seems like so many politicians are starting to act like that, but one become the top dog so to speak.

War In Israel -- so many still hate the Jews and want to attack them. 

The World's Bloodiest Conflict is Ahead.  

What is the battle of Armageddon? 

That name is from a Hebrew term Har-Magedone, which means “Mount Megiddo” and has become synonymous with the future battle in which God will intervene and destroy the armies of the Antichrist as is clearly predicted in biblical prophecy (Revelation 16:16; 20:1-3). Will soon happen! 

Currently China has a self imposed role in our current US White House with Joe and Kamala (puppets), but does China have a role in the end times? 

 What is the significance of Megiddo in the Bible?

Throughout the centuries Christians have anticipated the glorious return of Christ to this earth. It's really near. Yes, it looks to me like we are closer than ever before. 

How about from your perspective? Present day events during our life time might very well be leading to that climactic Event of events. Please live informed, prayerful, awake, refilled, ears open, compassionate and totally encouraged to live in word of God. Let's all go tell and live in the light of Christ's return.

"The greatest weakness in the church today is that it no longer believes that Scripture is where God invests His power. Everyone is looking for power in a program or a methodology—everywhere but where God has placed it, in His Word." — R.C. Sproul

Will bitcoin, will cryptocurrency become the one-world currency of the end times?

End Times People and Nations.. who all is involved? 

What does it mean for a society to be post-Christian? It's like that for so many here in my nation, the USA. 

1) Parents are not making Bible teaching church time a high priority for their kids. 

2) Kids that have grown up are doin' what seem right in their own eyes. And they are now making it less of a priority for their kids. 

3) Those kids then grow up and make it no priority at all for their kids. Not smart at all. We had a drug problem in my home -- my parents drug us off to church weekly. Glad they did.  

4) Those kids grow up with no concept of God or what's of real value or even moral according to Scripture. How will they learn what's right and wrong? All their gaming won't tell them.  

Did ya know that the average age in American churches today is 51 years old.  

But some families are praying the price on their knees -- prayin' the promises and believing God! There are over 900 young students in our healthy local church's Prestonwood Student Ministry today. Yay God!  

I love it -- wonderful! Jesus said, “My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12

Need More, Want Seven Signs Of Christ's Soon Return? 

I ain’t gunna set a date and time for Christ's return, because too many have foolishly done that. The Bible says we can’t know the day or the hour and that's exactly what God means for us not to do. He’ll return like a thief in the night. 

Here's a Last Days Sign.. Many false teachers and false prophets even inside some so called churches have been saying “I am the Christ” and they have been leading many people far astray. The Mormons have their Jesus, the Muslims have their Jesus too.. who ain’t God and didn’t rise from the dead. The Jehovah Witnesses have their Jesus. The New Age movement has their own cut and paste Jesus. Dead religion often has theirs that saves everyone no matter what they opt to believe.  

Today wars and rumors of wars have been happening even with the Taliban again. My two sons fought hard with the Taliban for years over in Iraq and my second son, Nathan-Michael just died. Now we see that the Taliban has taken over in Kabul again. 

Things that “must take place” are taking place yet the end is not yet. Kurt, is it the end? Nope not yet, but we can see it from here can't we. Sure. Nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. it's all going to end down here with the Battle of Armageddon. So true. 

Christian’s will be hated by All Nations. That’s been happening and is happening more. 

There have been famines. 

What does the Bible say about that -- famine?

Many believers will fall away in the last days.

Many people are hating one another. "Lawlessness will be increased the love of many will grow cold" -- that’s happened and is happening more. 

Listen believer, the one who endures the end in Christ will be saved so go on with Him leading you. 

There have been earthquakes in various places. These are the beginnings of birth pains as the Bible calls them. 

Computer knowledge is increasing exponentially and people are traveling like never before even civilians up into space now. Daniel 12:4 said, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (kjv)

This Gospel the Kingdom shall be preached throughout the whole world (as it has been getting out far -- I see this daily working with Global Media Outreach,, just love Love LOVE to hear from people from all over the globe regarding the Gospel Message) .."and then shall the end come."  

What's next? Die Entrückung - the Rapture is. 

What is the rapture of the church?

The church will be snatched away in a moment (one sixth of a nanosecond, in the blink of an eye), the Restrainer is removed from her (the Spirit in the Christians. After the Church goes up He will be here as He was during the Old Testament times, yes in the Old Covenant sense. 

How will you buy and sell? The Antichrist will be on the scene here (he might already be but we don’t know who that is yet) and there will be many people getting saved during the Tribulation years. See Revelation 7. 

There will be 144,000 anointed Jewish evangelists doin’ their thang on earth. They will be sealed by the Holy Spirit, and then comes God’s wrath like never before. 

People will become lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Personally, I ain’t gunna live for pleasure, for self, or for travel, or for bucks cuz listen.. all that’s most un-pleasurable to live for. 

I say Live all out for Christ, on-fire. Know and worship Him alone. Follow Him real close -- He loves you and has a good plan for your life.  

The Bible says, “..she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.”  1 Timothy 5:6

What signs indicate that the end times are approaching?

Take some time to check out Matthew 24:5–8. He gives us some important clues for discerning the approach of the end times: “Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” 

An increase in false messiahs, an increase in warfare, and increases in famines, plagues, and natural disasters—these are all signs of the end times. In this passage above, we are given a clear warning: we are not to be deceived, because these events are only the beginning of birth pains; the end is still to come.

Yes, the Apostle Paul warned that the last days would bring a marked increase in false teaching. “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). 

These last days are described as “perilous times” because of the increasingly evil character of man and people who actively “oppose the truth” (2 Timothy 3:1–9; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:3).

What does it mean that there will be scoffers in the last days?

Again, what's the next sign that could happen at any day now? The Church being snatched up and out of here. Forget this not. 

Q: When will that be? 

A: At any time. Get on ready even if you don't believe in it -- let's stay together through it all.

- What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming?

- Surviving the end times - what do I need to know? 

- In the last days, will everyone need to go to Jerusalem to worship God (Micah 4:2)?

- Is the last trumpet of 1 Thessalonians 4 the same as the seventh trumpet of Revelation?

- Why do Daniel and Revelation give varying counts of 1,260, 1,290, and 1,335 days for the tribulation?

Exciting times of opportunity for witnessing. We can live ready and help others get ready because of the Cross. God has given us enough information that we can be prepared, and that is what we are called to be as our hearts cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus” (See Revelation 22:20 and the context). Fish4souls.org

Yeah, even if you don’t believe these are “the last days” as you should (cuz the Bible says these be them and it said it some 2000 years ago).. guess what.. you and me are in our last days. You know life here is pretty dog gone brief. One day when we leave this planet Earth, we’ll leave everything behind. All the stuff. Someone will one day have to come and clean it all out for you.

Why live for perishable possessions or property you’ll end up leaving to someone else? But listen.. what we’ve invested for the glory of God will be waiting for us as an eternal reward. God wants you most, wants your whole heart, wants your obedience. Give you as a gift to God -- “you were bought at a price.”

Let Jesus be both Savior and Lord of all. Today, everyday. He loves you and has a good plan and He cares about your friends and family. You can’t take it with you, none of that stuff, but in one sense you can send it on ahead. Think about the eternal stuff, and that temporal too. What’ll will rust, what will soon be obsolete. It sure gives ya a different perspective on buying stuff. Do I or someone near me ..really need this or will it soon be in a garage sale of sorts? People often fight for the junk in the end. My father-in-law Cecil used to say, The ones who tend to win in the end are the lawyers.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. “ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 fish4souls.org