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3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me,“Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Rev 21:3-5 NKJV As we begin 2017 it is so crucial for us to remember that the Lord is in the process of making all things new. He did not say, “behold, I make all new things”. The resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told the Apostle John, “behold I make all things new.” Listening to a recent John Eldredge Podcast while driving across the frigid Texas plains on my way to Colorado, I was struck by the enormity of this promise. Heaven is not just "pie in the sky by and by." It is not some elusive ethereal day dream. It is not just a blind hope that we have for eternity. Jesus is in the process of redeeming and remaking this earth. Imagine the beauty of a new earth without the curse. Imagine the Himalayas and the Rockies in all their glory but in ultra spiritual HD. Imagine all the extinct species of animals reborn and remade with no disease and no defects. Imagine all your hurts and pains and trials and suffering not just relieved, but redeemed! What a glorious hope awaits those who are in Christ Jesus! Right now Ascend is in a season of rebirth and renewal. As of January first I have begun a 2 month sabbatical marking the end of my seventh year of full time ministry with Ascend Outdoor Adventures. We are in the process of adding 2 new full time staff members. Our vision and kingdom influence are growing and deepening. I am so thankful for this opportunity to push into rest, solitude, meditation, and renewal. One of the goals of my sabbatical is to begin writing a book that God put on my heart 9 months ago. We joyously lean into this time of change and growth confident that it is a mere reflection of the glory that awaits us when Christ returns and makes all things new. As you face this new year, may you be confident and hopeful in the assurance that we are one step closer to the glorious return of Jesus, and the renewal and the restoration of all things!