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There's something wonderful about old things that are still in good shape. Old furniture with its scrapes and dents and the patina of the ages is far more intriguing than the generic, plastic stuff of today. Old churches with their stained glass and creaking, oak pews have a charm all their own. I especially love old, hardback books! Those classic, leather-bound volumes with colourful pages and tiny print have a feel and even a smell that defy duplication.
I suppose my love for old things is a major reason I love the Bible so much. Its timeworn stories never fail to shout out, “You can make it! Don't quit!” In fact, Paul had that very idea in mind when he wrote this: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). I love that verse! That one reference offers three essential perspectives: yesterday…today…and tomorrow.
When we consider yesterday—“whatever was written in earlier times”—we have “the encouragement of the Scriptures” to persevere today. Whether it's a patriarch's prayer, a poet's psalm, or an apostle's challenging reminder, God's Word encourages us today through the good and bad examples of yesterday. Why? So that “we might have hope.” As we read the stories of yesterday, our view of tomorrow becomes less frightening. Fresh feelings pulsate within—a new determination to press on…new courage to stand alone…new gratitude to keep us humble.
In the end, the secret lies in how we handle today…that special block of time that learns from yesterday's lessons and anticipates tomorrow's possibilities.
Each June, I can't help but think of all the yesterdays of the Insight for Living broadcast. For almost 30 years of yesterdays, Insight for Living Canada has maintained an unwavering commitment to the Word of God and the necessity of biblical preaching in a world that has lost its way. But yesterday's years of ministry are no guarantee for tomorrow's possibilities. That's why I'm asking you to come alongside us today with a generous financial contribution.
June 30 is the end of our financial year. Our entire ministry team needs your support today to keep the broadcast on the air and to continue to be available to meet your needs. Your donation will help to ensure that Insight for Living Canada continues to reach you and others like you across Canada.
When you send your donation, be sure to request your copy of Listener Favourites, Volume 1: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow. These CDs feature the six most-requested messages of the last year, each spotlighting one of these essential perspectives.
Whether your walk with God is brand-new or your faith is one of those “old things” that's still in good shape, Insight for Living Canada has probably been around for most, if not all, of the yesterdays of your Christian life. We want to be there for all your tomorrows as well! For that to happen, we need you today to help us get there.
So I urge you, don't wait. Be unusually generous in your financial support before the end of this fiscal year—before June 30. Your gift, along with others' contributions, will enable us to continue to teach “the encouragement of the Scriptures” and anticipate tomorrow's possibilities.
Standing with you today for tomorrow,
Charles R. Swindoll
