This Year & Next

12/19/2018

Our grandson, Benjamin, is on his way to see us and his Dad, our son. We haven’t seen Benny in several years as he lives in Germany. He grew up there with his mother and as he entered the adult world, things like lack of time, his forming a career, several other factors has kept him from being able to come here or us to go there. We are really looking forward to this visit, already wishing it could be longer. But, it will be a great week, anyway. Who knows, young Ben may fuel more blog stories!!

A conversation last evening caused us to reflect on how much we’ve done this year in the Blue Jug business. Not so much, as the world would count achievements, but considering what we had when we started, the mistakes which forced necessary changes, the maneuvering because we couldn’t simply throw money after a problem and expect it to work its way to perfection, all these things, and all the “fits and starts” of a new company. Recounting all this made me very thankful for the few people involved and for their patience and endurance. It makes me to be very sure we can proceed through the challenges of the next year with good results, results that will further insure long term success. Will keep you posted.

The Monday night online Bible Class has gone very well this year. We will not have class the last two Mondays, the 24th and the 31st. Most everyone is involved with other things, for us mainly time spent with family. So, we’ve finished the year for Monday night, and like the ending of every year since I began preaching (about 1975), we didn’t finish, there is much more Bible to learn. I am convinced to the nth degree that we shall never finish the Bible study in this life, but the moment we step into the presence of the Lord, we shall know all things! A great peace is mine just by writing that down.

This past Monday night (which I wrote about yesterday) was not the completion of a subject or topic: it was just a Bible class about very important doctrines which will continue on Jan. 7, 2019, if the Lord is willing for me to continue. As long as I have the wit and breath, as long as the vast majority of people who call themselves “christian” still do not know about dispensational truth in the Bible, as long as people still write and ask questions or attempt to dispute (or catch me in an error), I will continue. And if there is ever any reason to say “Thank you, I learned something,” be sure you follow that line with, “praise the Lord.” Yes, you should thank the teacher who teaches you, but the glory and praise goes to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

It has been my privilege all these years to tell people about taking a stand for the word of God without an organized religion backing me. It is the Lord, and His infinite wisdom which makes us to individually stand and make a mark in this sin-cursed world. Truth hasn’t completely fallen in the streets if we continue to stand for it. Does it really seem that there are fewer of us every year. Perhaps; or perhaps just here, or wherever you are. The Lord is not being surprised. Always remember that.

SIMH today is “How Glad I am!” —Nancy Wilson, 1964. However, I was hearing Brook Benton’s voice. When I looked up Brook Benton, I couldn’t find his recording it. But, I sure did enjoy hearing Nancy Wilson sing it and also The Greyboys Allstars—never heard of them, but it also was great early morning music.

Thanks for reading, the Elder