inLight Adventure Newsletter – Excited and Hopeful for 2021

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2Chronicles 16:9

Those of you who have followed my writing may be surprised to read that I am excited and hopeful for the church in 2021; including that portion of her who resides in America. I often have to remind myself of this fact, but it is nevertheless true.

There are two reasons for my hopefulness. First, I believe the wife of the Lamb is making herself ready, and she will be perfectly beautiful (Revelation 19:7-8). Secondly, I believe the storms and chaos God is allowing (creating?) give testimony to His continued long-suffering and persistence for her and His Son.

It is no coincidence that 2021 promises to be as chaotic and challenging as 2020. Nor is it an accident that storms are lining up like tropical depressions during hurricane season. Who can imagine how long the season will last, or how severe the storms will be? Only God knows! However, regardless of length and severity, His children rest secure, believing He will use the storms and chaos for our good (Romans 8:28).

Indeed, God will use the storms and chaos of this decade to dramatically transform the individuals, families, and fellowships who keep their eyes focused on the Lord and their minds set on things above. Our prime objective, for ourselves and those in our spheres of influence, must be our maturation in the Lord. Moving up and forward is the only way we avoid wasting the pain and discomfort storms and chaos introduce into our lives.

With this exciting and hopeful perspective in mind,

Moving On from Christmas – Part One

Beth and I are having a particularly blessed Christmas season. I find myself – like so many others – wanting to hang on; and I will, at least through the end of the year. Thankfully, the reason for this season stays with us for eternity.

But still, 2017 is coming up the driveway; and will be soon knocking at our door. I am already thinking about next week’s meetings and writing deadlines. There is no stopping the movement of time.

So, how do we move on from Christmas? How do we hold onto the reason for the season, as we move into the promise of New Year adventures?

Being a child that likes to ask questions, I asked those questions of our Father in heaven. Being a Father that likes to talk to His children, He answered. Being a brother who likes to pass on the Father’s encouragement, I am sharing with you, the beginnings of that answer.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8

Finding the mind of Jesus, in His “coming in the likeness of men”, is the beginning point for our transition into the New Year. As the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus sends us (John 20:21). The parallels here are astounding.