Reading: “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” Romans 13:11.

Thought: Everything that transpires this year will bring me closer to the coming of the Lord

Meditation: Every day I live brings me closer to that day when I shall see Him as He is and be like Him. This is my hope in Christ, and this is purifying. I will not be like Him in eternity if I’ve no desire to be like Him on earth.

Am I “looking for that blessed hope glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” or, am I focused and distracted by the present? Am I praying “even so come Lord Jesus” or am I so satisfied with this earth that I have no interest in a new earth and a new heaven? Paul’s desire for death and glory (Philippians 1:23) was not a suicidal thought, it was a sanctified thought.

This “thought” is taken from the outline of a message preached by pastor Habib Sakr at Grace Chapel, Markham (31st December 2016).