The Whole ChurchSample

PRESSING ON  

If we’re honest, most of life revolves around clocks, planners, and schedules. And because of that, we’re often impatient. We think, If only this could happen now or I wish that had taken place sooner. Sometimes, depending on what we’re doing, time may seem to pass differently from the way we expect or hope. For example, a workday might drag on while the vacation we longed and planned for is over before we know it.

We spend a lot of time worrying about what-ifs and if-onlys, lost in a sea of unanswered questions. But when it comes to eternity, we can be certain of where we’re headed—a future in God’s presence, promised by Jesus Himself. A future with no more suffering and every hope fulfilled.

Yet it’s essential that we remember one thing: God’s kingdom isn’t just something we’ll inhabit someday. It’s already here, right now, at hand. Everything we are and everything we do in our lives has the potential to help us achieve our true purpose for being here—to grow closer to Jesus Christ and bring Him glory. The thing is, it’s impossible to do that alone.

By now you’ve learned from this reading plan that the Lord had a vision for how His followers would live, and that vision has never changed. From the very beginning, He designed your life to be lived in the church. He has planned for you to take a seat at the table of God’s family and use every gift He’s given you for the benefit and blessing of all. We pray that you will always remember your place in the whole church and the important work that must be done there. The people in your community need you.

As you look ahead, ask God to continue to reveal your unique place in the story of His people. He loves you more than you know—and He really does have great plans for you and those worshipping and serving beside you. 

He truly is making all things new ...

If you’d like to join Dr. Stanley and In Touch in 2020 as we explore the Beatitudes and what a blessed life truly looks like, click here to  learn more … or check back in the Fall of 2020 for our reading plan, Blessed to Be.