Dear Reader
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” Luke 21:28
A new year has arrived! And like the year before it, this new 365 days has come with much anticipation. It is fitting at such a time that we should look backward, onward, and upward. Concerning the past, we can say, “Surely goodness and mercy hath followed us all the days.” Notwithstanding failure and feebleness, God has been the strength and portion of His people, and they remember with thankful hearts “all the way” the Lord their God hath led them (Deut.8:2). To the glory of His grace, they confess – “There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken: all came to pass” (Josh.21:45). Regarding the future, the people of God need have no distrust or fear. What their God has been, He will be: “Thou are the same, and Thy years shall not fail” (Heb.1:12), is the sure word upon which they may calmly rely, fearing no evil.
Many people begin January 1 with goals, hopes, dreams, and perhaps even a plan of action for all that they would like to accomplish. The possibilities for a New Year’s list of resolutions are endless. Some of the most common include exercise routines, healthier eating, progress at work, and quality time spent with family. Life goals and resolutions can be a great way to begin a year. But please make sure that the Lord Jesus is the center of it all.
For Christians, the start of a new year arrives with reminders afresh of the sure promises that God has made to His people throughout the Bible. For Christians—those who have repented of their sin and received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior—a New Year is a chance for renewed commitments to seek after the Lord.
Indeed 2020 was a not what we thought it might be, many experienced a lot of disappointment, anxiety, and fear. But I hope that we have heard the voice of the Lord very clearly whispering in our ears through His Word, “Fear Not”! May we continue to hear His voice every day in this coming New Year saying, “Fear not I am your God!”
Let us cultivate the good habits that will build us up on our most holy faith, seeking to have every day in our life be filled with devotion to Him. Let us spend time every day alone with Him reading His Word, praying, and seeking His guidance in every aspect of our life. The Scriptures are foundational truths that Christians believe. They are beacons of hope, not only for a new year but also for an eternal future with the Lord Jesus in the Father’s house, so until He brings us there let us have a closer walk with Him.
Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe this is the 20th year for Toward the Mark!!
The Lord is faithful!!
I am thankful to the Lord for His faithfulness and goodness toward us in the past years. I am grateful to those faithful saints who have quietly been a source of help and encouragement to me in producing Toward the Mark. For those who translate many of the articles to other languages and publishing on brethren magazines and web sites. The Lord is their rewarder. Also, I would like to thank all of you dear readers for your overwhelming response to the magazine. It is our prayer that the Lord will use Toward the Mark to help you to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him.
Please keep praying for the Lord’s blessing on Toward the Mark.
Yours in our soon-coming Lord,
Emil S. Nashed
Please send your questions and comments to:
Toward The Mark
c/o Wayne Christian Assembly
60 Smith Lane
Wayne, NJ 07470-5354
Attention: Emil S. Nashed
www.towardthemark.org
