Dear Fellow Christian;
I want us to approach our service for the Lord this
year With Heaven In View! It is my desire
that Heaven become as real to us as it was to saints of ages past. Many
of our grandparents and great-grandparents sang of heaven with tears
of joy running down their faces! They seemed to "stand on Jordan's
stormy banks and cast a wishful eye to Canaan's fair and happy land
where their possessions lie." I am convinced that we ought
to think about Heaven far more than we do.
In 2008, may we decide to rejoice often because our
names are written in Heaven. As we labor to see souls saved, let's remember
that joy in Heaven over every sinnner that repents. May we be constantly
reminded that this world is not our home. We are just pilgrims passing
through. Our treasures are not here, but are laid up somewhere beyond
the blue! I love life - but our short time on earth is incidental compared
to eterenity!
In Colossians 3:2, God's Word declares, "set
your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." With
Heaven in View, let's resolve to make this year the greatest
ever both for our church and in our personal lives. When opposition
comes and our hearts are troubled, may we find encouragement in thinking
about heaven. May we be ever motivated by the thought of seeing our
Savior face to face.
I am excited about the goals and plans God has given
me for our church in 2008. I am also thrilled to labor with such a tremendous
group of servants. May we each give our best, keep our eyes on Jesus
and invest in those things that will matter five minutes after we die.
I love you!
God bless you,
Pastor
