AND THEN THE SUN CAME OUT

Winter Fog in Our Valley

Ripon in the winter . . . I started out that January morning in a sweatshirt with a wool scarf and heavy gloves. It was chilly (don’t laugh, east coast friends). The fog hung over our town like a damp white blanket. One mile into my walk when I was just beginning to wonder why I hadn’t worn a heavy coat the sun came out. First I shed the scarf, tying it on the strap of my fanny pack. Then it was the gloves which went in the fanny pack. Finally, when I reached McDonald's I took off the sweatshirt and tied it around my neck while I enjoyed an iced tea with lots of ice. It’s only a forty minute walk from my house to McDonald's and I went from shivering to sweating in that short while. What a difference the sun makes.

I’m thinking of what a difference the Son will make when He appears to rule and reign for a thousand years and then usher in the eternal state. He will come to a world that is even darker than the world we live in today. He will come to a world of hearts that are cold and feet that hasten to evil. Men and women will be going about their business focused on their own selfish desires. And then the Son will come.

The Day of the Lord will be a day of judgment according to the prophets. However, the judgment will wipe away all the schemes of Satan and all the self-serving plans of wicked men and women. The earth will be cleansed and God will usher in a new age of righteousness. When the Son of God rules on earth there will be no terrorist threats, no corrupt governments, and no poverty or homelessness. There will be no gang fights and no prison walls to incarcerate the lawless. There will be no abortion, divorce, or child abuse. There will be no lack of water, no lack of food, in fact there will be no lack at all.

I’m watching and waiting for a time when the Son of God will gather His bride home. Darkness will reign for a time and wrath will be poured out on an unrepentant world. Then the cold darkness of this world will be pierced by the Son of God as He arrives triumphant. When He comes to reign in righteousness I will be with Him, part of a great throng of the redeemed of all ages whom He has gathered to Himself. I wonder what this world will look like when it is restored by its Creator. I’m certain that it will be far more remarkable that any of us can imagine.

It won’t be long now. Jesus said in Revelation 22:20, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

And we say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

RAISING UP LITTLE ONES IN PERILOUS TIMES

BRIAN

Raising up little ones in Perilous Times

I've been thinking a lot about Psalm 103 over the last several weeks--trying to absorb its beautiful words into my heart and mind. One verse stands out to me in light of a conversation we had at Bible study one evening. This verse deserves an enduring place in your heart and mind.

ANDREW

"But from everlasting to everlasting
 the Lord's Love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children--
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts"
(Psalm 103:17-18 NIV84).

EMILY

Pray for your children and grandchildren whenever they come to mind! Love and encourage them every chance you get. Then roll the burden of anxiety you have been carrying onto the Lord Jesus who is able to keep them safe and give you His peace. 

Which reminds me of another of my favorite promises, this one is from the book of Isaiah, 

"Thou wilt keep him 
in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed
on thee: Because he trusteth in thee"
(Isaiah 26:3 KJV).