And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
1 John 2:27 (NLT)
We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us. Ecclesiastes 5:15

A few years ago, I went back to the farm where I lived as a teenager. The house was gone. The only thing that remained was this dilapidated barn. I cried. Recently, I located on a Google map the house where two of my grandparents lived. My grandmothers’ well-kept lawn was nothing but mud. Broken shades hung on the windows. The house needed painting. Again, I cried.

I felt the truth of the words “this world is fading away”. I can’t imagine what Ukrainians have been feeling, as their cities are destroyed and decimated by bombs, rockets, and missiles. They don’t have the bare necessities of life, food, clothing, water, heat, and shelter.

Yet, their spirits don’t seem broken. Yesterday, ABC Evening News showed a video of a seven-year-old girl in a bunker singing. As I listened to her beautiful voice, I cried.

I wonder how we, the richest nations of the world, would handle ourselves in such a situation. Today, I read an article about the level of anxiety in various countries of the world at this time. It showed that people in rich countries suffer a higher degree of anxiety. As Jesus said, “I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 (NLT)

If Jesus’ words are true, let’s live like they are.


Everything here is passing away 
We’re around for a very short day.
Let us not plan and let us not boast 
About the great things we think we can do.

Listen to God and do what he says;
Don’t try to look good or try to impress
Our family, friends, and people at work
Like us, they’re dust, their life will soon end.

If we serve God, we’ll get a reward 
He cannot lie; he is true to his word.
His promise is life and unending joy
To those with faith who long for his return.

Let us make sure, as we patiently wait, 
We keep ourselves clean—pure in his sight;
Quickly settle disputes, and seek peace;
For he shall come back—but we don’t know when.

Let’s set our minds on pleasing our Lord;
Let go of things we cannot afford,
Pay all of our bills; get rid of our debts.
Take actions to live a more simple life

Stop all the useless games that we play;
Time is soon gone, don’t throw it away.
For many are lost and live without hope
With all of life’s pain, they futilely cope.

It was for them not only for us
That our Savior died, he went to the cross.
And now it remains for someone to go
Why do we delay? Why are we so slow?

4 Responses

  1. I love your photo, comments and poem, Jane!

    It fits well with my coming PWA retreat, “Preparing for the Lord’s Appearing.” May I share the poem at the retreat on April 9 and use verse four in my handout?

    God bless you for sharing these timely truths!

    1. Thank you, Louise!
      You certainly may share my poem at your upcoming retreat. Use whatever part(s) of it that you want to in your handout.
      I appreciate your encouragement, and God bless you as your prepare for your retreat

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