by Barry Newton

In the midst of making pleasant chit chat while she sat across from me at her desk, the bank clerk mused, “wouldn’t it be wonderful if we knew the future? Then we would know what to do with our money!” As the words spilled from her lips, visions of the film “Back to the Future” raced through my mind.

It’s a powerful thought. Knowing what the future holds would be potent information for guiding how to respond now. Should we invest, sit tight or sell? How might such knowledge alter our decisions? Would we choose to live more frugally at a critical moment knowing that the money saved and invested at that specific juncture would yield huge rewards later? If we could know the future, how might our lives be different?

Suddenly my thoughts changed, we do know what the future holds! One day the heavens will be split apart to reveal our Lord coming in the clouds to claim his own. Furthermore, we can know that there are rich returns for using our worldly wealth to bless others and do good! The Lord has given us the wonderful gift of knowing what will happen.

"...what sort of people must you be in dedicated behavior and godliness, as you eagerly await the coming of the day of God, ... Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, do your best to be found in him in peace, spotless and blameless, ..." 2 Peter 3:11, 12, 14

"Sell your possessions and give to charity. Make for yourselves purses that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:33-34

"Command the rich in this world not to be conceited nor to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies for us all things to enjoy. Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, willing to be generous and to share, laying up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Through a window revealing the future, God has extended to us a tether to what will be. The only question is, how will we choose to use this knowledge?

by Randal Matheny

Ever notice how, as Christmas nears, people get all mushy and sentimental? I do, too.

I remember my parents taking us into town just about every year to see the Christmas lights. Especially in one of the classier neighborhoods. Since Paragould didn't have but 12 to 14 thousand in those days, it didn't take us long. But it was a great memory. We did that as family.

These warm feelings, I now know, are programmed into us. Nothing wrong with that. It would be nice if we'd program good feelings into a lot more things in life. Would make the day-to-day living a lot more pleasant.

But there are a lot of people for whom Christmas is a nightmare.

No happy carols. No nice presents. No close family relationships. No warm feelings.

Also, a programmed response. And nothing wrong with that, either.

Which goes to tell me that, as nice as I think Christmas is, and as much as I want it to be a wonderful time for everybody, Christmas is not the jumping-off point for a great life.

A few days ago, one kid wrote a poem. He would look up at the first star and wish for ... peace, happiness, banishment of poverty.

Pretty vague stuff. A long shot. A melancholy Christmas wish.

There are people who think of Christ during Christmas. I don't know if those thoughts can be turned toward a truer picture of the Lord and eventual obedience to him. But I'll try.

Because I know that, not Christmas, but Christ can bring everyone the warmth of God's presence.