2015 Behind Us - 2016 Ahead

Well, the year 2015 is behind us. Mary and I spent some time remembering the Lord's faithfulness and provision for us through this last year, thankful for all he's provided. I got a chance to get out in the afternoon and wrap up 2015 with some outreach to my friends & neighbors here in Marshalltown, and then to worship the Lord in the evening with my brothers & sisters in Christ around the Lord's table.

I encourage you to look back and give thanks to the Father for all his goodness & grace this past year, and to seek his face for guidance & provision for the year to come, whatever that may be. We know the world is getting darker, and all that God has told us about the last days will be coming to pass, maybe sooner than later. Our brother's in Christ around the world are suffering for the name of Jesus, and perhaps that will be our lot in the near future as well. If so, rejoice & be exceeding glad! For...

"...all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 

2 Timothy 3:12

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

1 Peter 4:12-13 

Let's encourage one another to live godly lives in 2016 - bold lives for our Savior - growing in grace, growing in the Word & loving our brothers & sisters in the Lord Jesus, and reaching out to our fellow man with the love of God and the hope of the gospel. Maranatha!