This week I was reminded again as I get older it’s more difficult for me to like the snow, even though it didn’t really snow that much. Although I like the beauty of the snow it’s just getting harder to be motivated to work in it. It does seem to transform the countryside from darkish and drab colors and freshens things up.

But I am also reminded as I get older, that I like the imagery that the scriptures make about the snow. It gives the indication that the Blood of our Savior blots out our sins and make us whiter than snow. “Ps 51:7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow “

“ Isa 1:18“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.”

 Snow also is representative of what Jesus in His resurrected body looks like, when he returns to judge the masses. “Dan 7:9 I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire,” “Matt 28:3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.” “Rev 1:14 His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire.”

Our Heavenly Father created the snow and it is beautiful when we stop to think about!

By: Pastor Steve Eicher

Who likes to wait for anything? Do you get frustrated in the drive through or waiting for your spouse to get ready? Have you ever had to wait on the Lord’s timing? I know in my life I had times where I was waiting on the Lord’s call or direction. During those times it can be hard to wait and be patient. In Acts 1:3-5 it says "He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”" The disciples have just been with Jesus and have been first hand witnesses to the miracle of Jesus raising from the dead. I can just imagine their excitement and desire to go and share what they have witnessed to others. Instead, they waited for the Holy Spirit which helped to guide them on the direction they needed to go. God's timing is perfect and when we wait on him everything will work out according to his will. So be patient and hang in there.

By: Michal Troyer

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16: 33 (NKJV)

Being of good cheer isn’t always my first reaction in life, but Jesus asked His disciples (and I believe asks us) to be of good cheer, and immediately reminds us why that is possible. He has overcome. Jesus has overcome the world, and defeated the enemy. He has defeated the one who desires to steal our joy. He has defeated the one who wants to drag us down and causes discouragement.

Jesus Christ reminds us though, that we will have trouble in this world – that’s reality. We will have trouble! Its vitally important though, to maintain an eternal perspective. I’ll leave you with this thought from Joni Eareckson Tada to ponder this week:

“The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead. Yet a glimpse is enough. It’s enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrow currently assail us aren’t worthy of comparison to that which waits over the horizon.”

Be of good cheer, and focus on Jesus in your tribulations, sufferings, and sorrows – He has overcome the world!

By: Marcus Steury