“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)

November 2004

Dear Friend,

Trusting that all is well with you and your loved ones. We are fine, and enjoying the tremendous blessings of ministry. God is moving in all areas, sending us new volunteers, and trusting us with fresh opportunities to minister to the lost, and to His body. Also, isn’t this such a beautiful time of the year, with the changing of the leaves and the cool crisp weather? The glorious colors, the reds and golds are so invigorating, reminding us of the creativity of our Awesome God!

When we think of our world, and how it has changed so dramatically even in the last 10 years, we can see the urgency to hold and preserve the values that we hold so dear to our heart. As Christians, we strive to live with a holy disregard to this world’s values and all that comes with it. We realize that it is up to us to pass on the Christian faith and what it stands for to this generation, and to the next. We understand that if we are silent, our grandchildren and future generations will suffer for it.

When we look at the issues regarding the Presidential election this month, let us remember to fight the good fight of faith, and let our voice be heard! Most of us have quickly found out that the things that have given us false hope such as money, a bigger house, ourselves, or friends whom we thought would provide us with meaning or purpose, are false hopes. We love to look towards a future of hope, where love reigns, and justice rules, but through life’s hardships we realized that this can only be found in Christ Jesus, where our dreams are safe and we can live in contentment and joy. Our hope is in a bright new world that is to come, where our God Reigns! But until that time comes, we are to live as if we only have this day, and do the best we can for the day. Every morning we should be praying for opportunities to share our faith! God will answer, and He will bring people across our path if we ask! It is in this that our lives finds meaning. God has created us to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world and in the next. Everything else does not matter!

We have a lovesick Bridegroom whose desire is for us, and when we are so hopelessly in love with Him it is normal to want to serve Him and to be honest, and faithful. We will hold His teachings and values close to our heart with passion!  Nothing can come between us and the One we love! Our passion will be to see His will done here on earth! He is the Lord of hopes and dreams!

The Bible tells us in Psalm 24:1 that “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Doesn’t this bring joy to your heart?

Just think! No matter what goes on in the world, the earth belongs to God! We can see corruption all around us, we can see Christian values being ridiculed, we can see injustice all around us, but, nevertheless, God is in control. The earth belongs to Him! Amazing! We get discouraged and we wonder if there is any hope anywhere. We do our best to bring the Word of God to those we come in contact with, and sometimes get laughed at; but, nevertheless, God is there. We wonder about our future, our children’s future, and we pray that they will find that the things of this world do not offer peace or happiness. We sometimes have to stand back and allow our loved ones to suffer because we are not able to help them. Nevertheless, Jesus stands there waiting for them to come to him, to seek His face, to seek His wisdom, and His safety. Jesus, our Bridegroom, who loves us with a passion that no one, or nothing on this earth can duplicate, stands and waits for all of us. There is hope, my friend. There is joy in Him!

“Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:7,8) Isn’t this an eye opener? Doesn’t this touch you to the very core of your being? Our hope is in Him! Our Lord, strong and mighty! Wow! As we seek His face, He will come in and do battle for us! He is our Everlasting King of Glory! He will never let us go! Isn’t this so much to be thankful for? When we compare our short earthly life with eternal life with Him forever and ever, there is no thing on earth that can hurt us so badly that we can not overcome. God is our defender! He is our refuge, a very present help in time of trouble. He is strong and mighty! He loves us so much that He gave His all for us! What greater love is there? None!

 

Yes, my friend, we have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Be joyful! When the trials of life come, say...”Nevertheless, my God is my anchor for this storm, my God will keep me, my God will uphold me with His right hand! My God is a Covenant keeping God, and He will never leave me or forsake me! My God is my refuge in times of trouble, and no weapon formed against me can prosper! My God will see me through, He will hold my hand and guide me in the way that I should go! My God will lead me through life’s challenges until He takes me home with Him! My God has prepared a place for me in heaven, and no man, no demon, no devil in hell can keep me from going to my destiny! This is our destiny! This is our hope! This is our future! Let us hold on to Him, and follow in the way that He wants us to go. Let us stand firm against the snares of the enemy and hold our ground, which is Christ Jesus our Lord who brings us through! Glory!

 Wishing you and your loved ones a Blessed Thanksgiving Day.

God bless you!

Rev. Barbara Anne Yovino, Ph.D.