Mar.27.01: Light For The Day - "Looking To The End" -- Ecclesiastes 7:8 (RSV) "Better is the end of a thing than its beginning;  and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." -- Jeremiah 29:11 (RSV) "For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD,  plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future  and a hope." ------------------- The world lives for the present.  The Christian lives for the future.  You must have the cross or you will not receive  "the crown of glory" (1Pet.5:4). Cheer up, Christian.  Let this truth encourage you:  "The end of the thing is better than its beginning." See that creeping, contemptible worm that you want  to sweep? That is the beginning. See that insect with  the gorgeous wings playing in the sunbeams and  sipping at the flower bells. It is full of happiness  and life. That is the end. That worm, that caterpillar,  that maggot is you. You are to be content with that  until you are wrapped in death. You cannot tell what you will be like after death.  All we know is this, "We are children of God;  and it has not yet been revealed, we shall be like Him,  for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). See that rough diamond on the jeweler's wheel?  Carefully it is turned and cut on all sides, and it loses  much that seems costly. Do you see it now?  A glittering ray flows from the greatly cut diamond.  Christian, compare yourself to such a diamond.  You are one of God's jewels, and this is the time of cutting.  You must endure it, so be of good courage.  "Through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Heb.6:12).  "They shall be Mine, 'says the LORD of host,  'on the day that I make them My jewels" (Mal.3:17). -- C.H.Spurgeon ------------------- -- Jeremiah 29:11-13 (RSV) "For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD,  plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future  and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,  and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me;  when you seek me with all your heart."