Uplook - November 16, 2024
Fall greetings from Seattle,
As I look out my home office window, the trees have dropped all but the very stubbornest of their leaves. This seasonal ritual begins with one tree across the street which first turns bright yellow. It continues with the tree next door which turns bright red. It is finally followed by the two trees on our side of the street which turn bright orange and a couple of others also across the street which turn a deep brown. It all makes for a beautiful sight. It however comes with a decidedly negative side effect. All of those leaves must be raked up; a task which I have diligently tried to keep up with between traveling and regular church responsibilities. This reminds me of a familiar and assuring verse from the prophet Isaiah:
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8
We are reminded this time of year that life at its finest is transitory in nature moving from season to season. I am reminded of this same fact every time we visit one of our daughters as the route takes us by a cemetery. Each plot has the story of a vibrant life which at God’s appointed season ended with the separation of body and spirit until the Lord’s return. Each will one day stand before the Creator of heaven and earth and give an account for the life they were given. The constant through it all is God’s Word…for the Jews, Torah (the Pentateuch) and for Christians both Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
As we navigate the various challenges which come our way in life may we fully embrace and be transformed by God’s Word which provides not only guidance and strength but also challenges and warnings. As we travel through the seasons of life our challenges and burdens may change but God’s Word does not. As human history and culture unfolds in twists and turns which may seem frustrating and even terrifying at times we can all be assured that God has not changed and His Word remains secure. It can be trusted as a compass (or GPS for those of you who are younger) which will safely guide us into Heaven’s portals. May we find rest and comfort in this stable, secure, and everlasting direction guide which has been made available to us. And may we embrace the Word personified in Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah who sacrificially gave His life so that we could be forgiven, transformed, and one day transported to eternity to live with Him.
God bless you all.
Housekeeping Notes:
Choir practice tomorrow at 3:15.
Kawasaki, Japan. The dedication of our new Kawasaki, Japan church building will be held on Sunday, November 24. You should be able to watch on their YouTube channel on next Saturday evening November 23 (due to the time difference) if you like. Please pray for this little congregation and their pastor Bro. Yoshiki.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
As I look out my home office window, the trees have dropped all but the very stubbornest of their leaves. This seasonal ritual begins with one tree across the street which first turns bright yellow. It continues with the tree next door which turns bright red. It is finally followed by the two trees on our side of the street which turn bright orange and a couple of others also across the street which turn a deep brown. It all makes for a beautiful sight. It however comes with a decidedly negative side effect. All of those leaves must be raked up; a task which I have diligently tried to keep up with between traveling and regular church responsibilities. This reminds me of a familiar and assuring verse from the prophet Isaiah:
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8
We are reminded this time of year that life at its finest is transitory in nature moving from season to season. I am reminded of this same fact every time we visit one of our daughters as the route takes us by a cemetery. Each plot has the story of a vibrant life which at God’s appointed season ended with the separation of body and spirit until the Lord’s return. Each will one day stand before the Creator of heaven and earth and give an account for the life they were given. The constant through it all is God’s Word…for the Jews, Torah (the Pentateuch) and for Christians both Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
As we navigate the various challenges which come our way in life may we fully embrace and be transformed by God’s Word which provides not only guidance and strength but also challenges and warnings. As we travel through the seasons of life our challenges and burdens may change but God’s Word does not. As human history and culture unfolds in twists and turns which may seem frustrating and even terrifying at times we can all be assured that God has not changed and His Word remains secure. It can be trusted as a compass (or GPS for those of you who are younger) which will safely guide us into Heaven’s portals. May we find rest and comfort in this stable, secure, and everlasting direction guide which has been made available to us. And may we embrace the Word personified in Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah who sacrificially gave His life so that we could be forgiven, transformed, and one day transported to eternity to live with Him.
God bless you all.
Housekeeping Notes:
Choir practice tomorrow at 3:15.
Kawasaki, Japan. The dedication of our new Kawasaki, Japan church building will be held on Sunday, November 24. You should be able to watch on their YouTube channel on next Saturday evening November 23 (due to the time difference) if you like. Please pray for this little congregation and their pastor Bro. Yoshiki.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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