Uplook - January 11, 2025

Good afternoon from Seattle,

Lori and I returned home yesterday from working with our churches in the Philippines.  After a couple of weeks with temperatures never dropping below 70 degrees and daytime high temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees F. we are adjusting not only to the time difference but also the temperature difference.   Thankfully, there is no difference in the sweet spirit of the Gospel which we experience in both locations and the Lord remains the same in both places and times.  The scripture declares in Hebrews 13:8:
                            Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

In an ever changing world…time, temperature, opinion, culture, economics, health, politics, etc… it is a great comfort to know that Jesus remains the same.  A fixed point of reference from which we can gauge our life’s direction.  A place of refuge and security when there is little to be found elsewhere.  In this new year may we keep this reality at the forefront of both our hearts and minds as we navigate the various changes which are bound to confront us.
May we take to heart the words of the Apostle Paul to a small church in Asia Minor:

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2 Thessalonians 2:1–2 

Jesus promised to return for us and His promise is as sure as His own character and nature: unchangeable.  We need not be worried or troubled and can live freely within His loving plan for us.  May that plan unfold for each of us in the coming year and may we all be gathered together unto Him.

A note concerning Year End tax letters -  I anticipate working on these next week and Lord willing, will have them in the mail before next Sunday.  

God bless you all…it is good to be home.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor