"For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.' "
This (above) is such an encouraging verse. Even though Judah would suffer (justly) for its idolatry, etc.--God would nevertheless one day restore greatness and goodness "in this land." Faith is essentially en-
joying *now* what the Lord promises in its fullness in the future.
Our churches and our nations may well be languishing, from decades of decay and sin--but it is a sure thing that Christ will revive His church; and it is even possible that He may bring new life to our countries as well. At any rate, let all God's children rejoice in Jesus wherever we are, even today.
[Puritan quote of the day: "As for any true natural excellency of spirit, godliness does not quench it, but raises it, beautifies it, and perfects it." --Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]
