From the Editor

Dear Friends

I must make mention of winter -– it's here again in NZ,
with its characteristic chilly conditions and dampness. It is a season I'm not
particularly fond of, although I do enjoy coming inside, leaving the bitter cold
and sitting next to a warming fire...that cosy feeling. I've been interested
to watch people running around dressed as if they were in the middle of a heat
wave...worse still, they've made comments like "Boy it's cold!". I would
have thought that rule number one when dealing with living on this planet is to
"acknowledge the weather patterns and seasons" -– and prepare accordingly.
Simply, realise that it will be cold and dress accordingly!

The Bible talks about the seasons metaphorically, a picture
of times in life where things are 'sunny' and happy -– or 'stormy' and
difficult. It is a pleasure to walk with Jesus through each season and gain
equilibrium to handle the conditions. He is the God of all seasons -– summer,
winter, spring and autumn. He is the constant in our existence. I do not
believe that life is only a sequence of winters...or a string of summers. Our
God ordained all seasons as valid and with a purpose for each. For those going
through a long, difficult, cold and lonely winter, the sun will shine again!

As we keep close to God, both in talking with Him throughout
the day, hearing from Him through His Word, and fellowshipping with His people,
we continue to thrive. We can choose to dwell with God daily -– in His
Sanctuary!

I trust you will find snippets of good news in this months
edition of Omega Times -– it's almost paradoxical, that certain negative
things must come to pass in order to usher in the return of Jesus. We have lots
to do in the meantime...

Andrew