The Jericho Road

   4:30 a.m….I’ve been awake for most of the night, all night really, thinking about the events of Sabbath, about my sermon yesterday, about the good conversations I’ve had with so many of the members, about the friendships Sharon and I have made in such short time. What a difference the grace of Christ makes in life! What a contrast to have the light of his presence after years of darkness and sin. Who can say they deserve the promise of his Spirit, yet how could we turn back after tasting the goodness of God in Christ?

   Despite my many shortcomings and frequent missteps, God is keeping his covenant of mercy with us, with his church and with his servants. Our longing to see Christ gloried compels us to reach higher in our love for one another. We want the willingness of Christ, the Spirit of Christ, to fill all of us, renewing us daily for worship and service. 

   The needs around us and among us are so great! Without God’s blessing we would quickly be overwhelmed in a flood of difficulties. But I see God working so effectively and tirelessly in the lives of the church members that I can only feel encouraged. 

   These are special times for me personally. These are special times in the history of salvation. God is bringing to a close what has seemed to us a never-ending battle with evil. Jesus is coming soon! Our part is to be faithful each day, clinging to his hand like a dependent, trusting child rests in the love of their parents. How much we need the faith of a child! 

   Let’s hold on to the promises of our heavenly Father. We don’t want to lose a single moment of time with him. We want our devotion to be more fervent, our love more consistent, our faith stronger, our hope brighter. Jesus is with us and before us each step we take to the glory he has promised  to all his faithful children. We are too close to home to turn back now. Let’s move forward in faith, our eyes fixed on him who cannot fail, who is never discouraged, and always ready to heal the hurting soul. Jesus is coming soon.