From This Time Forth

As I tap out these words the snow is flying in Indiana; but soon, if the Lord permits, the long winter will be over and spring will be upon us. We are reminded of the passing of time and the eternity that awaits each of us. Moses wrote, “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Gen. 8:22.) As long as the earth remains, we will have summer and winter, cold and heat, and day and night.

The book of 2002 is closed. Since the past is prologue, we might go back and study it to learn, but no more deeds of kindness or words of encouragement can be placed within that volume. The mistakes cannot be erased, though they may have been forgiven. If they were not forgiven, then repentance and confession is necessary (Acts 8:22; I John 1:8; James 5:16). Time does not remit our sins. We have placed the 2002 volume upon the shelf with all of the years that precede it.

The volume of 2003 is before us. Each day is a clean, white page. We can only turn one page at a time. We will fill each page with our thoughts, words and deeds. Let each of us determine to think right, speak right and do right. Let us redeem the time for the Lord (Eph. 5:16). May each of us be faithful to all of the services of the church in 2003. Let us give more of our time, talents and means for the cause of Christ in this new year. From this time forth let us determine to do more for the Lord and his church.

The Informer

Vol. 56 No. 10 January 5, 2003