Continuing To Move Forward!

Though we talk about beginnings and endings, quite often we are simply acknowledging TRANSITIONS from one thing to another. Summer ends, but that is not the end because it is followed by Fall and the other subsequent seasons that continue the cycle year after year. 2009 has drawn to an end and seems to have passed much more quickly than previous years, but again, we find ourselves focusing beyond this ending to the beginning of another new year; 2010. Such continues for as long as God's patience with this world holds out. (note 2 Peter 3:9) And though the Scriptures exhort us to bear in mind an end coming to things as we know them here ( 2 Peter 3:10-13), still for us as Christians we are encouraged to focus on a glorious TRANSITION from mortal to eternal life!

As Paul encouraged the church at Corinth regarding the reality of a resurrection, he noted Christ as the "firstfruits" of being raised from the dead and declared it is in Christ those who belong to Him will be made alive. ( 1 Corinthians 15:20-23) Even though Paul did make reference to the coming end, he still acknowledged it as a time of TRANSITION because the kingdom would then be handed over to the Father. ( 1 Corinthians 15:24)

Paul eventually went on to state. . .
"(50) I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. (51) Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED, (52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will BE RAISED IMPERISHABLE, and WE SHALL BE CHANGED. (53) For this perishable body must PUT ON THE IMPERISHABLE, and this mortal body must PUT ON IMMORTALITY. (54) When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'" ( 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 ESV)

Yes, TRANSITION! Time continues to move forward and we -- with faith fixed on God Who holds eternity in His hands -- continue to move on with it. We cannot step back into the past. Nor can we stop time and remain where we are. Second by second time continues to slip into the future and we can rejoice that the complete realization of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ( Romans 13:11)

I am thankful again for all of you whom "teEn-MAIL" has brought me into contact. The subscriber list continues to grow beyond what I ever imagined when "teEn-MAIL" began in 1998. Praise God for keeping it going. I am also grateful to those who have found it worth sharing with others. Besides the many encouraging comments I have received regarding specific focuses, I have also had the opportunity to share in prayer and counsel with readers I may never meet face-to-face this side of heaven. I continue to seek God's wisdom to provide whatever assistance I can. Thank you all for allowing me to become a part of your daily lives through "teEn-MAIL". Though geography may separate us, computer technology has brought us within fingertips of each other.

Only God knows all that may come along with this new year. Though we may at times experience a mixture of anticipation and apprehension regarding the days ahead, may our trust remain focused on the One Who Is, Was, and Always Will Be! With Him we have no end to fear!

Have a great day MOVING STEP BY STEP INTO GOD'S ETERNITY!
Carl

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