It's Good To Go Home

Both Paul and Betty and my wife, Sharon, and I have been doing some traveling this month. The Weresch’s are on an odyssey across the US and back across Canada taking the whole summer. Sharon and I traveled to Oklahoma to attend my grandson’s wedding. All four of us have marveled at the beauty of God’s creation. We have traveled through areas that cry out … confirming the power of the Lord … seeing new and different sights.

Isaiah 55:12: “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

Yet, as our trip from Oklahoma City neared the end and we grew closer and closer to home, we began to look forward to our beautiful little valley, the rolling hills of wheat, the craggy canyons and wide flowing rivers, the awesome grandness of North Idaho … we were nearing our home and we were glad to be back.

Isn’t that the way we all are in our travels through life. The world offers so many wonderful things to woo us away from our home. We enter the world, we experience different things, we fight for position and for affection. We seek the approval of men and compete in the “rat race”. We become enthralled with sinful things, many times without knowing we are doing it … we have strayed from “home” … the bosom of God.

If, my friend, you have stumbled upon these words and you suddenly realize that you are a long way from home … or, if you have known for a long time and just don’t know your way back … there is good news. He is waiting. He is longing for your return … and He can’t wait to enfold you in His loving arms.

As the Lord told Israel in Hosea 14:1, “Return to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!”

Stop in the road and do a “180” … and say: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.“ (Luke 15:21). That’s what the prodigal son of the Bible said when he returned … that is called repentance.

Remember the Father’s reply in verses 23-24? “Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” … that is called Grace.

"So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him.” Hosea 12:6

Though your travels may have led you far away … you are now home

As Asaph wrote in Psalm 73:28: “ ... as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Welcome home weary traveler!

Larry Abele - Editorial Team

Jesus IS Coming Again!

Christians and many non-Christians the world over believe or have heard of the Lord’s Imminent Return. We who believe know that Jesus is coming again to this world.

In the Bible book of Revelation, John states in 1:1 that it is "… the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place."

He further says in verse 3, "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

So, the skeptic says, that was written 2000 years ago … so when is “near“? 

Moses reminded us in Psalm 90 verse 4, “For a thousand years in your (God’s) sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” The Lord sees time much differently than we do. A thousand years could be a day or even a watch (four hours).

We had better be ready because we will not hear the familiar phrase, "Fire In The Hole!" Peter told us in 2 Peter 3:10, “ … the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”

He reminded us in the same chapter, verses 3 and 4, ... in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?

So, why is he waiting so long? We are to watch for the signs and many of those are happening in this evil time on earth. Again Peter reminds us in verse 9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Mercy is being extended … that is why there is a continuation of evil in the world.

My friends, I accepted the Lord in 1993. I am so glad He did not return in 1992!

However, He could return tomorrow, or next week or in a couple years or a couple hours ... we cannot know. But, we can be ready! Believe me … it is worth it. If we accept the Lord’s gift of sacrifice for us, John again reminds us of what it will be like in Revelation 21:4 … “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Don’t wait any longer. Believe in Him. Tell Him, “Lord, I am a sinner. I know that you died to save me from those sins. I believe you did that for me, Lord. I am so sorry that you had to make that sacrifice for me. I repent of those sins and thank you for coming into my heart, Jesus.”

You say that prayer, my friend, and mean it from the bottom of your heart, then you too can look forward to the Lord’s Imminent Return.

Larry Abele, Editorial Team