A personal note and observation

While reading the book of Mark, I am struck by the crowds that followed Jesus, desiring to see and hear him. They would even press in to the point they couldn't eat in the house that Jesus was in. Mark 3:20-21.  Then I hear stories of churches in other countries where the people will stand nearly on top of each other to hear the gospel being preached, and hearing the stories of the power of God being openly demonstrated after the preaching. Then I look around the church, low attendance, powerless worship, and people who see this as a ritual and an interruption to their weekends.

Even at Christmas time, we are so busy with plays, presents, shopping and parties, that we rarely stop and thank God that HE sent His only Son to eventually would die to set us free. Believers who are simply living not actively seeking His return, or even expecting it. Like the Jewish believers who grew up hearing about the coming Messiah, many had simply given up hope, or created their own theories to make the prophecies fit their world. Yet, the fact remains that Jesus is coming soon, and He will collect His bride who is actively living and looking for Him.

Christmas for many has become a time of hopelessness and sadness, as they can't keep up with the Jones, or perhaps life has thrown so many punches it seems easier to stay down and await the count out. I understand this feeling better than most, in May I was released from the only profession I have ever known, trying to make a go in a profession that lives on commission only, proffered by people who make big promises, but join it with empty actions. I look as my wife is struggling to make her check and the little I make, to pay all that needs to be paid, and STILL give Christmas to family and friends. I can understand how some feel the need to give up, I can honestly say, I would rather just go home with Christ, than feel the way this makes me feel sometimes.

I have to focus on that my sustenance is not given to me by the job, but by the Hand of God who provides all my daily needs. I can say if you are going through a hard time, chin up, we serve a God who says He has good thoughts toward us, and He has plans for us, its just we aren't always privy to them. Yet He reminds us that He is faithful, and He doesn't change, and the promises in Christ are yes and amen. I'll make you a promise, you pray for me and I'll pray for you, that 2018 will be the year of yours and mine jubilee, that we will have a breakthrough into a time of blessing that will erase every sad thought we have had this year. 

Feel free to let me know in the comments, or via email your thoughts, requests and answers and we will stand together believing that our miracle is on the way. As the song says, "He's an on time God" and Gold City added "In time, On Time, Everytime."

Grace and peace be multiplied to your.
Eric