“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14). James wrote these words as a warning to fellow believers who were boasting and bragging about “their plans,” where they would go, and what they would accomplish in the future. The truth is that life is short and unpredictable. Because we live in a fallen (and fragile) world, we are not even guaranteed that we will be here tomorrow. James compares our life to a mist or vapor. It is noticed for a short time, then it is gone. Many people choose to ignore the ultimate truths of life and death. But these facts are stubborn; they won’t go away just because we ignore them. So, what’s the best we can do in this brief journey called “life”? James already revealed the answer, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:6-8a). Life is given to us as a gift to draw near and walk with God! Jesus came and sacrificed himself for us, so that we might be reconciled to God, enabling us to live constantly in His presence. The best we can do in this brief life is to live in Christ for the glory of God. What an amazing joy to walk with Jesus, and then die (or meet Him at His coming) and go to heaven to be with Him forever! Be sure to tell others about the hope you have in Jesus.

This is my last Pastor’s Pen, and I want to say thank you for receiving these messages during the last almost 11 years. If you would like to keep in touch, feel free to email me at drmarkboucher@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from you.

Pastor Mark Boucher