. . . "He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
As God's children, you and I have been promised a future reward. As with Abraham and Moses of old, the decisions we make today will determine our rewards tomorrow. Abraham obeyed God because he "looked for a city" (Heb. 11:10). Moses forsook the treasures and pleasures of Egype because "he had respect unto the reccompense of the reward" (Heb. 11:26).
It was the same attitude of faith that carried our Lord Jesus through the agony of the cross.
Hebrews 12:2 Jesus . . . who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame . . .
Don't live for what the world will promise you today. Live for what God has promised you in the future. Be a stranger and a pilgrim on this earth. Walk by faith, not by sight.
This world is not my home,
I'm just a passin' through.
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue . . .
. . . right before our eyes. We see on television war and chaos in many nations, some spewing hate to the USA. Many eastern countries want to destroy Israel.
Recently terrorists bombarded our US Embassy in Lybia, killing our Ambassador, J. Christopher Stevens, and three other Americans.
Jesus told his apostles that the beautiful temple they admired would be destroyed, and it happened in 70 AD. Then He gave more end time signs. Many will be deceived by false teachers claiming to be Christ. Believers in God's Word won't be deceived.
But He tells us not to be troubled, for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.
Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles; these are the beginnings of sorrows.
The good news is this: Jesus is coming soon, and I'm ready to "Fly Away" in the rapture. The bad news: The unsaved will be left behind.
But until then my heart will go on singing;
Until then with joy I'll carry on.
Until the day my eyes behold that city;
Until the day God calls me home. . . . . . Stuart Hamblen
. . . is anything which shuts God out. When in doubt of an activity, ask youself, "Does it shut God out?"
Anti-God movements are rapidly growing under the guise of separation of church and state, successfully stilling voices and signs relating to Christians.
Knowing the Constitution offers freedom to express religion, the Kountze, Texas Cheerleaders have boldly proclaimed the Word of God at football games this season. Athiests took them to court and a judge granted a two week extention to keep making the signs.
Time ran out today, but the girls made their signs as many prayed and the judge heard each side.
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Thank you, Lord, for the judicial ruling today. Another extension in their favor allows them to display the Word of God on the run through banner Friday night. God is good.
. . . hanging from a pyramid ceiling of varnished planks, lures the eye when you first step into our new sanctuary.
A feeling of excitement swept over me as I found just the right pew on the piano side, marking an aisle seat with my name-inscribed Bible.
A long time coming, God constructed this house of worship with a handfull of believers, dedicated workers, and outside help that only He could muster. And my, how He's blessed us with more families and young people this past year. We are humbled.
A profound familiarity showers our new surroundings. The Spirit of God still flows through words to the music, but with greater acoustics. The power of God still beckons hearts as His Word is preached from the pulpit.
This coming Sunday, the round, rock-covered baptistry will be used for the first time, and fellowship will flourish at our first of many potlucks.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
