Change is a constant earthly reality. Beginnings and endings, hellos and good-byes
dot the landscape of every life. The
essence of every promise of God stands in stark contrast. His promises blossom from the root of
eternal, unchanging goodness!
Every act of good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming
down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
(James 1:17)
As the printing of the Baptist Voice ceases, our hearts can
rejoice that the work done through it over the years continues. That same truth echoes from every life lived
in the will of God…in lives redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Earthly transitions are shadows cast from
eternal realities. Just as the
Tabernacle in the desert offered deep spiritual revelation of the Lord Himself,
lives lived in the design of God portray divine beauty. Neither earthly error nor sin eradicates the
work of the Eternal One.
Paul, in First Corinthians, quoted the prophet Isaiah. “No eye has seen, no mind conceived what God
has prepared for those who love Him.”
The promise of good from our perfect, loving Father gives unceasing hope
to those enduring change. Loved ones
whose earthly journeys end, treasured relationships marred by distance and
works of service concluded are shadows created as the Lord moves throughout
world. Like the Israelites crossing the
Red Sea or the Jordan at flood stage, Christians must march boldly on toward
the eternal reality of Christ’s completed work.For this final column, I invite you to join with in prayerful, thankful rejoicing as we march into a new year.
Heavenly Father, Giver of all good and perfect gifts, we humbly praise you. Our hearts grieve over the losses change brings but not with the grief of those who have no hope. Though we are tempted to fear change and hold tight to what is seen, we choose to trust in Your perfect will. Fill our minds with understanding of the power, perfection and passionate love You continually pour into our lives. Grow our faith in You that our lives will ever proclaim the victory of Christ. May every change that casts a shadow in our life be pushed aside by the Holy Spirit to reveal more of Your Glory. We praise you that change and loss simply allow our hearts to have more room for You. May thy will and thy kingdom come. We wait in praise-filled joy for the final change that ushers in Your unending Kingdom.
In Christ’s Holy name we pray, Amen.
Thank you for acknowledging the final issue of the Baptist Voice. It has been a labor of love for almost 30 years and it was too hard to say goodbye, but the season was right and it was time. It was a privilege to be a voice for Him.
ReplyDelete"Yet for us there is one God, the Father, for whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and for whom we exist." 1 Cor. 8:6 ESV.
Keep on writing girl :o)