Seeing the Way Ahead–2017

It could be the end of any year or the start of any year when it comes to seeing ahead. Good seeing requires an accurate reference plane so you understand where you are. It also requires good sight that looks ahead. Sounds simple, but it is not.

See the image? Sure looked peaceful and beautiful. even something as simple as this scene can be misinterpreted. It so happened that a large storm was coming, but you cannot tell from just the picture. I could not really tell when I was preparing the take the picture without knowing more information.

Jesus said to one group that they could discern the weather but were blind to what was really important. He said to another person that she needed water, but she thought it was well water while He was referring to Himself. At one point a mother of some of the disciples asked her sons next to Jesus as she looked forward to a place He would take. She did not understand what she was speaking of, or how to look forward. He said as much to her. These things happened repeatedly in the Bible. Without a walk with the Holy Spirit, we see and act very poorly. Our flesh gets in the way; our sin masks and filters the truth; and the patterns of this world color our interpretation of things. Sometimes the reality of what we sense, combined with our forgetfulness, causes us to not even acknowledge the very Creator who made and sustains the universe.

So what about 2017? What about the future? Are you believer? Do what you know to do and what the Lord has already put in your hand. Stay acquainted with His Word. Love others as Christ loved you. Speak and demonstrate the work of Gospel whether you are home, at work, or at play.  Be obedient to the Spirit of God. Be quick to repent, slow to speak, and careful with action. Be thankful. As you see the “Day” approaching, which was referenced in the New Testament for that time as well, be sober and diligent. Prognostications can be found in many places. Most have no bearing on real life. But the things I have mentioned do have bearing. They may not be very “sexy” and appealing, but biblical bedrock for them is deep. If you are doing them and it happens that He returns, you will be doing what you are supposed to be doing. If he does not, then you will remain engaged and walk with the Most High God in places designed just for your path…until He does.

Are you not a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ? I would be glad to talk to you. There is a place of peace in the heart that He offers along with eternal life. It is not complicated because it does not depend on your fruitless attempts to make yourself better or get to God out of your own strength. Please consider Him. It does require a change in direction, since a change in direction toward His will (instead of yours) is required, but He does the rest from the inside. Then you will grow as you walk with Him. If you need a quick reference, grab a Bible and read the Gospel of Mark in one sitting. The hour will be well spent. Then talk to Him, or call me, or call another believer who may be in your path.

These things are sufficient to give plenty of definition for what 2017 might hold.