MAINTAINING VISION The Bible warns us to keep a clear vision of our future in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no revelation (future vision), the people cast off restraint…”. It’s so easy to get dis- tracted by this world and its prob- lems. We see society turning sin into a “normal” way of life. If we are not on guard we could drift away. The news media is filled with vio- lence, lies, deception and corrup- tion at the highest levels, which can deeply affect us personally. The lack of immediate justice in our society can lead to discouragement or bit- terness. We must not become bitter (Heb.12:15), God is full of mercy and patience and in His time, He will bring every sin into judgment. Our hope is not in this world, but in the soon coming Kingdom of God. We must not let discouragement take root and cause us to lose heart. Christ offers encouragement in John 14:1-2: Let not your heart be trou- bled; you believe in God, be- Continued from page 3 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 8:11) The apostle Paul wrote: But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain, and
lieve also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions (of- fices; abodes); if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. What an awesome promise! Jesus Christ Himself is choosing and pre- paring a mansion for every one of his people. Consider taking time to step away from the noise of the world. Turn off your television, computer, and cell phone, and go outside to enjoy some of God’s creation. Sit under the stars, reflect on God’s promises, His plan for you, and your ultimate destiny. We must remind ourselves that the Bible is full of inspiration that can bring great joy and encouragement, especially if we study it regularly. My youngest daughter reminded me of her favorite passage: II Corinthi- ans 4:16-18. These verses encourage us to press on and not give up, de- spite the challenges we face: your faith is also vain. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testi- fied of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. (I Corinthians 15:13-18). “But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (I Corinthians 15:20). What an amaz-
ing and precious truth! Christ was raised from the dead and ascended to the throne of God the Father in heaven to receive a king- dom. He promised that when He went, He would return—this time as King of kings and Lord of lords to rule over the world. Jesus’ gospel was the Good News of this com- ing Kingdom. If we repent, believe, overcome, and endure to the end, we shall sit with Christ on His throne, ruling over the nations (Revelation 5:10). Our living Savior will return soon. God speed that day! Revelation 22:1 pictures a time when all mankind will be given the opportunity to know and serve God. He has revealed His plan to us now! Grasp the vision, and take heed - never lose heart! God’s chosen people must press on and do their part to qualify to be part of God’s family in His King- dom. He wants each of us to make it. God sees us in the Kingdom, and He has a place reserved for us, if we endure until the end. Jesus Christ is coming soon, and His reward is with Him. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our out- ward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light af- fliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are tem- porary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
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