We just finished our Bible Conference and it’s time to reflect. As I think about what has transpired the last four days many things come to mind. It has been a joyous time. Who can describe the joy of being reunited with old friends, the excitement of making new friends, or the blessing of seeing your loved ones blessed? Words fail me.

However, instead of talking about all of the pleasant things we experienced, I want to focus on a few lessons I’ve learned as a result of this conference.

#1. I learned that we’re all getting older! I’ve been aware of the fact that I’m getting older, but now I can see that we’re all in the same boat in this regards. I won’t go into detail, but the evidence is there for all to see. Even the best make-up and hair color can’t hide this fact.

#2. I learned that sometimes good people who truly love the Lord are denied certain blessings. Some of our dear members, who would have loved to attend the conference,could not do so because of reasons beyond their control. That doesn’t seem fair. Why was I granted such a wonderful privilege that to others was denied? I don’t have the answer.They missed a blessing and they know it and my heart hurts for them.

#3. I learned that not everyone has an interest in God’s word, nor a desire for Christian fellowship, nor a heart to serve. I could say a lot about this, but it would probably destroy the purpose of this little chat. I just don’t understand how any Christian could intentionally miss a meeting like this.

#4. I learned that some people actually enjoy the hard work that is required to host a conference such as this. Strange–those who had the biggest smiles had sweat on their brow. I did not hear one word of complaint from those folks–I knew I wouldn’t. They have discovered the joy of being a servant. Some of these people were hurting physically yet they did their job. The queston is, did they have to do your job also?

#5. I learned that some preachers actually do remain faithful. Why do we give so much attention to the one falling star, rather than those who stay in their God-appointed orbit? I’ve know some of these preachers for 40 years and they have remained true to God’s word. Hats off fellows!

#6. I learned that there are some young preachers after all. I often think about the lack of young preachers and am troubled by it, but there are some! I was greatly encouraged by these young guys. I had to hold back the tears as I watched them. I want to help them anyway, any time I can.

#7. I learned that there is always more to learn. I wish I had time to talk more about this. Regardless of how long we live or how much we know there is always more, much more, to be learned. We should never stop being students.

#8. I learned that there are some young people who truly love God and have a desire to serve Him. I saw many examples of this, but one example stands out. After the last service, when I wanted to say goodbye to my friends, a 10-12 year old boy asked to talk to me. He had a handful of tracts and asked if I would give him some advice about how to talk to his friend about Christ.Wow! How do you refuse a kid like that? He got the message about getting the message out. I know some folks who have lived three-score and ten who still haven’t got the message. Shame on them!

#9. I learned that Satan never, ever quits fighting. He simply doesn’t give up. Everyone should expect that Satan will resist us anytime, any place, and any way. Any progress we make will have to be made in the face of opposition. So be it!

#10. I learned some things about myself. I hope that can be said of all who attended. Now I’m not going to get too personal and spill my guts about myself (I wonder how much we would love one another if we knew everything about each other?), but there is a matter I want to mention. I could talk about a lot of my faults –I’m not as good as I ought to be, nor as smart as I could be, nor as wise as I should be, nor as holy as I want to be, but I want just want to mention one thing— I’m not as strong as I used to be. The effort required to host the conference evidences the fact that my strength has waned. I can deny it all I want, but that doesn’t change the facts.

I can remember a time when I was strong enough to do what would now be impossible, but time has changed my body and I’m no longer able to do things that used to be done with ease. I now have limitations that I didn’t have before and there is a price to pay if I try to exceed them.

I’m not trying to get your sympathy. I’m sending you a message. Are you listening? Time will make these same changes in your life–like it or not. This conference served to remind me that the battle is fierce, the enemy is determined, the cause is great, our needs are many and varied, life is short, and we stand in constant need of help that God alone can provide. You won’t always be able to do what you can do now. Don’t waste your opportunities! Make the best use of every moment. As Jesus said,”the night cometh, when no man can work.”(John 9:4). Think about it!

I wish I had read this before the new year began, but you could still use this as your new year’s motto. It would do you good to read it over and over. This is exactly what we need! These words were written by James Smith in 1865 and entitled, “A New Year’s Motto”.

Look up!

“–look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28

We are entering upon a new year, we shall have —
new toils,
new trials,
new temptations, and
new troubles.

In whatever state, in whatever place, into whatever condition we may be brought this year–let us seek grace to follow our Lord’s loving advice, and “look up!“

Do not look back–as Lot’s wife did.

Do not look within–as too many do.

Do not look around–as David did.

But “look up!” Look up to God–He is your Father, your Friend, your Savior. He can help you. He will help you. He says, “Look unto Me, and be delivered–for I am God!”

Look up for light to guide you–and He will direct your path.

Look up for grace to sanctify you–and the grace of Jesus will be found sufficient for you.

Look up for strength to enable you to do and suffer God’s will–and His strength will be made perfect in your weakness.

Look up for comfort to cheer you–and as one whom his mother comforts, so will the Lord comfort you.

Look up for courage to embolden you–and the Lord will give courage to the faint; and to those who have no might–He will increase strength.

Look up for endurance to keep you–and the God who preserves you will enable you quietly to bear the heaviest burden, and silently to endure the most painful affliction.

Look up for providence to supply you–and the jar of flour will not be used up, and the jug of oil will not run dry; but God shall supply all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Look up in faith–exercising confidence in the Word of a faithful God.

Look up in prayer–asking for what God has graciously promised.

Look up in hope–expecting what you ask in the name of Jesus.

Look up with adoration–and adore the sovereignty, righteousness, and wisdom of God.

Look up constantly–let nothing daunt or discourage you! Rather say, “Our eyes are on the Lord our God–until He shows us mercy.”

Look up–for this will keep . . .
the head from swimming,
the heart from sinking,
the knees from trembling,
the feet from slipping, and
the hands from hanging down!

It is impossible to say what will happen to us, or what will be required of us this year–but “Look up!” This direction, if properly attended to, will . . .
procure for us all that we need,
secure us against all that we dread, and
make us more than a match for all our foes and fears!

Fellow-Christian, are you fearful? “Look up” and hear Jesus saying to you, “Do not be afraid–I Myself will help you!”

Are you discouraged? “Look up”–and your youth shall be renewed like the eagle’s, and fresh light, comfort, and courage shall be given to you!

Are you desponding? “Look up” for Jesus never breaks the bruised reed, nor quenches the smoking flax.

Do not look too much at your sin–look at the infinitely meritorious blood of God’s dear Son!

Do not look too much at self–but look at Jesus, who ever lives to make intercession for you in Heaven.

Are you stripped of your comforts, your props, and your goods? Then look up! He who stripped you–loves you! He will be more than all these to you! He will . . .
bind up your broken heart,
calm your perturbed spirit,
cheer your drooping mind, and
fill you with His own peace and happiness.

Look up . . .
for all that you need;
from all that you fear;
through all that would obstruct your way.

Look up every day, saying with David, “In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You–and will look up!” Psalm 5:3

Look up in every trial, saying “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help: my help comes from the Lord, who made Heaven and earth!”

Do not look at your sin–it will discourage you!

Do not look at your self–it will distress you!

Do not look at Satan–he will bewilder you!

Do not look to men–they will deceive, or disappoint you!

Do not look at your trials–they will deject you!

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us–looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith!” Hebrews 12:1-2

Look only, look always, look intently–to Jesus!

Run looking, work looking, fight looking, suffer looking, live looking, and die looking–to Jesus, who is at God’s right hand in glory.

Oh, look, look, look to Jesus!