I am reading the December 2009 regional newsletter called “Regional Report.” We received the report by post.
Believe me, I am surprised myself, how many verses from the Bible, the Word of the Living God, are coming to my mind while doing so.
WHAT ARE WE PUTTING FIRST?
It starts on the front page, where it says that the Northland Regional Council is “Putting Northland first”. On the last page we find the same announcement and “Creating a Region of choice” is added.
Inside the paper the Northland Regional Council is also talking about commitment, but that is another story.
What are we putting first? That is a very good question.
Are we putting the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and his righteousness first? We are supposed to do so. Read again the promise in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
“SHOUTING IT FROM THE ROOF TOP”
That is a headline in the same paper and underneath you can read, “As this edition of the Regional Report goes to press the Northland Events Centre will reach a milestone, with the roof completed – topping the new four – storey structure.”
When the Lord is sending out the Twelve he says to them,”What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” That is Matthew 10:27. (Read the whole chapter of Matthew 10.) Preaching the message is commanded.
“WATCH YOUR WAKE”
Another article in the same letter.
The first sentence of this article goes like this,” ‘Watch your wake’ is one of the key messages Northland Regional Council maritime staff are communicating to boat users this summer.” (A wake is the wave created by a moving vessel.)
The MESSAGE of the Bible is communicated to us by the ONE who is holding the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 16:19 The Lord Jesus Christ is also holding the keys of death. He is also holding the keys of Hades. Revelation 1:18
The MESSAGE of the ONE who is holding the keys of the kingdom of heaven, the keys of death and the keys of Hades is this:
” ‘COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND BURDENED, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.’ “
Have you come to the Lord Jesus Christ? If you have not come yet, come now!
In Acts 16:31 we read, ” ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.’ “
“SEEKING THE GOOD LIFE?”
On the last page of the regional newsletter I find the headline: “Seeking the good life?” The urbanites are mentioned there who are looking for the ‘good life’ and face all sorts of problems. And even worse often they do not know where to turn to for help and advice.
Turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. He will give you the good life. In John 11:25 the Lord says, ” ‘I am the resurrection and LIFE.’ ” In John 10:10 the Lord says this, “I have come that they may have life, AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL.”