Another year gone - and so quickly, it seems. Through all of the ups and downs of 2017, one thing remains. God has been faithful to all of us. It is His eternal nature to do so and He never disappoints. Whatever we have done for the glory of His Name and His kingdom is recorded in heaven, not to be forgotten. Our 'momentary, light afflictions' in this life are preparing for us an 'eternal weight of glory.' 2 Cor. 4:17. I thank the LORD for the abiding hope we have in Him for a future in His presence eternally.
We all 'see' life and the events around us through our own particular set of 'glasses'; glasses given to us by our parents, grandparents, teachers and friends. That's why two people can look at the same situation and see it so differently. It all depends on the glasses you look through.
In the Word of God we are provided with heaven's eyeglasses. It is in His Word that we learn truth, knowledge, wisdom and all that we need to live a godly life, becoming conformed into the image of Jesus Christ, our beloved Redeemer. It is also through His Word that we can rightly understand the world, the nations and all that happens around us for things are not as they seem. For example, the increasing violence and hostility we witness around the world - rightly understood - reveal to us that the coming of the Lord is close at hand. Satan recognizes what we sometimes do not: he knows his time is short and therefore his nefarious influence is increased. This is precisely what Paul prophesied to Timothy when he wrote: But the Spirit explicitly says that in latter times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron...I Tim. 4:1-2
And in his second letter to Timothy, he added: Realize this, that in the last days, difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. 2 Tim. 3:1-4
Does this not describe today's society at large?
Let us not, however, be depressed by these things, but rather recognize what the truth is. OUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NIGH! Therefore, we can rejoice and turn our hearts and eyes heavenward, knowing that He who promised is faithful and He will bring it to pass.
Therefore, going into 2018, if Jesus tarries, I find myself freshly impacted by this verse from John's gospel: "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” John 6:27
There is no better New Year resolution than this one - to live each day with eternity in view, working 'for the food which endures to eternal life'.
May we feed on His word more than we ever have. May we love each other as He commanded us. May we be passionate for His presence with a deep fervency. May He find us faithful at His appearing!
I want to thank all of you who have supported this ministry with your prayers and your giving during this past year. Your friendship and encouragement to us is deeply appreciated.
In the last days of 2017 we would appreciate your considering us in your year-end giving and/or becoming a monthly partner of this ministry in 2018 at $10, $25, $50 per month or whatever amount the Lord puts on your heart.
In closing, let me share with you one of my favorite worship songs:
With warm affection,
Barbara