"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure (I John 3:2-3)."
It is our blessed hope that when Jesus returns we shall see Him and then become like Him. What an awesome reward for the faithful. John encourages the faith by reminding them of that great future moment juxtaposed against their current discomforted situation.
In every transcendent path there is a 'now' of present struggle and a 'then' of unequalled triumph. Now - the earthly struggle. Then - the heavenly reward. Now - confusion, frustration and exhaustion. Then - contentment, consolation and fullness. Now - momentary doubt and tendency to sin. Then - eternal existence in the absolutely perfect presence of God.
What a joy that will be!
It's the middle that we struggle with. The journey from the bothersome now to the triumphant then is filled with tests, challenges, obstacles, mishaps, distractions, disappointments and many other woes. It can become so intense at times that you are often tempted to get off of the transcendent path. This is why we all need hope?
Hope is the fuel of the soul that produces endurance and perseverance. Hope can make you press on even under great pressure. It creates courage in the shadow of the dragon. Hope says you can when all else says give up. Hope says it's worth it when others call you crazy. Hope, as the Bible says, "Maketh not ashamed."
John says that keeping our mind fixed on what we shall become creates hope, which in turn creates faithfulness to the path, which will in turn bring us to the end results. Keep looking at what God shows you so you keep walking on the path he laid out for you.
"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Minister Howard Watson and his family made sure that I lacked for nothing. The members finally warmed up to me after they forgot about Bernard (inside story). We had a ball. When the Bible says that they "killed the fatted calf", I literally know what that means now. They barbecued a fresh calf and it was the absolute best Brisket I've ever had in my young life.
Next it was my pleasure to preach for the Country Club Drive Church of Christ in Fayetteville, N.C. http://www.countryclubchurchofchrist.com/ That church is doing a great job and is filled with very loving and receptive members. We challenged them each night from the theme, “Of Him, By Him and Through Him”. They took excellent care of Cathi and I.
ospel Quality (SWCC singing group) days with Gabby, their daughter. They are wonderful people. Bro. Mason always has some quick but gentle witticism percolating in his mind, while Sis. Mason has a smile that can make the rain stop. We had a great time with them, the Whites the Jeeters and many others who opened their homes or took us out to eat.
May brought me to the great city of Pasedena in California. It was my joy to preach for the saints of the North Pasedena Church of Christ. Brother Lundy has been the preacher there for well over 35 years. I was treated well and encouraged during the preaching. I got a lotta friends in Cali. It was real good to see Fate, Robert, Chris, Chris, Kevin, Vincent and the whole crew. Rudy didn't show cause he still suspicious about Tupak I guess. 
