Happy New Year! 2017 is behind us and we have a fresh new year ahead of us. I know many of you faced challenges in 2017 and are happy to see it end, while others of you celebrated tremendous victories or milestones which will forever be cherished in your memories. Whatever the case, we are thankful the Lord has sustained us another year, and I’m confident He will give us “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3) in the new year.
As I look back on 2017, here are a few interesting tidbits regarding Looking for the Blessed Hope:
- Two new Bible studies were written and facilitated in 5 different classes and venues in 2017. (Most teachings appeared online in various blog posts.)
- Over 16,000 visitors from almost 200 countries/territories found their way to this blog.
- Beyond the common, English-speaking countries one would expect to be high in visits, there were significant numbers of visits from countries such as Italy, Finland, the Philippines and India.
- There was also a reach into a few Middle East countries such as Iraq, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia (as well as others).
- The most popular posts often had to do with historical, documentary accounts in Israel’s history. For example: Nuremberg Prosecutor Appears on 60 Minutes and The Biblical Significance of the Six Day War.
- Also popular were commentaries regarding French President Emmanuel Macron, thought to be characteristic of the antichrist. (France’s Emmanuel Macron’s True Colors Coming to View, Time Magazine Tags Macron “Next Leader of Europe,” Macron Rising in Europe)
- A Facebook page was launched in August.
While the fullness of God’s plan for Looking for the Blessed Hope is not yet revealed, it is my heart to be found faithful in being about the Father’s business, and for Him to direct that business in whatever direction He intends. In doing so, I try to bring sound teaching regarding Israel, rightly understanding our Jewish-Christian heritage, and readiness for Jesus’ return. My desire is also to view current events through the lens of Scripture so we might move deeper in understanding God’s plan in these last days.
I hope you are blessed as you follow along. Moreover, I pray you are better equipped to adhere to the Lord’s mandates to pray for Israel and our Jewish friends, and to pray even for Israel’s enemies. Will you join me this year in committing more deeply to prayer?
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep quiet,
Until her righteousness goes forth like brightness,
And her salvation like a torch that is burning….
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen;
All day and all night they will never keep silent.
You who remind the Lord, take no rest for yourselves;
And give Him no rest until He establishes
And makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
~Isaiah 62:1, 6-7The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
~1 Peter 4:7
Looking for the Blessed Hope 