At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:10-13)
During this icy time of year, we get an idea how dire is Jesus’ prediction that as the world nears its end the love of most will grow cold. We have an acute understanding that without warmth there is no growth, the strongest shelters are brittle, and death rules the world. Yet we are called to stand firm in faith that into this cold, dark, world of death God sent His Son to bring warmth, light, and life. We look forward to His return, when heaven and earth will be remade without cold, darkness, sin, sorrow, pain, disease, disaster, or death. The forecast for the immediate future of this world is not very encouraging, but we have a refuge in the storm and hearts set on the paradise to come. “Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son into this cold world to restore us through the warmth of Your love and give us refuge in your promises, through Jesus, amen." +++++++++++++++++ HOW COLD IS IT? I chipped a tooth on soup! Cows are producing ice cream! Starbucks is introducing coffee on a stick! Hitchhikers are holding up pictures of thumbs! People are getting their tongues stuck on metal cutlery! People are opening up freezer doors to warm up their kitchens! Opticians are giving away ice scrapers with every pair of glasses! People are carrying hammers and chisels to get out of their parkas! A family chopped up their piano for firewood—but only got one chord! People parking dog sleds have to plug in the dogs or keep them running in place! Words are freezing mid-air! I heard about it when I warmed up someone else’s sentence. (From the collection of 400 cold jokes at Athropolis.com) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The warmth of God’s love comfort you this week! In Jesus, Pastor Kirk
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Kirk HilleAs Pastor at Pilgrim, Kirk is fueled by a passion for God's Word and a lot of good coffee. Archives
January 2021
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