2 0 2 2 / PA R T N E R L E T T E R
Here it is the beginning of spring.
Wehere in Northeast Texas have four
distinct seasons. The month of March
brings new life. The days are beginning
to be warmer, and the trees are budding
out. Change is happening. Do you
remember the old saying: "Things are
looking up"? Well, that's what early
spring is to me. However, when you think
about it, looking up will always change
things for the better, especially when we
realize that calling things that be not as
though they were is a way of life. Let's go
to Hebrews and see what "looking up"
actually means. Remember now,
chapter 11 is the "Hall of Fame of Faith."
Let's begin reading at 11:39, and read
through 12:3:
And these all, having obtained a good
report through faith, received not the
promise: God having provided some
better thing for us, that they without us
should not be made perfect. Wherefore
seeing we also are compassed about
with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us
lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us, and let us run
with patience the race that is set before
us, looking unto Jesus the author and
finisher of our faith; who for the joy that
was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at
the right hand of the throne of God. For
consider him that endured such
contradiction of sinners against himself,
lest ye be wearied and faint in your
minds.
What are we seeing? I'll show you. First,
we'll look at JESUS. Now let's read 2
Peter 1:1: "Simon Peter, a servant and an
apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have
obtained like precious faith with us
through the righteousness of God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ."
Look at Hebrews 11:39 once more: "And
these all, having obtained a good report
through faith, received not the promise."
First of all, our faith is precious! Why?
Because it's GOD's faith. Continue
reading 2 Peter 1:3-4: "According as his
divine power hath given unto us all
things that pertain unto life and
godliness, through the knowledge of
him that hath called us to glory and
virtue: whereby are given unto us
exceeding great and precious promises:
March