Hello fellow travelers of the Way. It is good to be back in the saddle again after visiting relatives, a refreshing study break in Chicago, and getting two kids off to college. I pray that all is well with you.

This summer I have been reading the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, two books of great relevance to the church today, describing the restoration of the temple (the heart of worship) and the walls of Jerusalem (the testimony of God's people to those outside). These books also contain the last chronological history in the Hebrew canon of Scripture before the first coming of Christ. I believe these books contain special insights for the church as we await the second coming of Christ.

I have also been studying two books by Solomon: 'Ecclesiastes' (describing life without the vertical dimension of an intimate love life with God - 'vanity of vanities') and The Song of Solomon (describing life with a vertical dimension of an intimate love life with God - 'song of songs'). I have heard people debate whether Song of Solomon should be in the Bible! I, for one, am so glad that it is. The Holy Spirit knew what He was doing. For those with the 'eyes of a dove' (Song of Solomon 1:15) it is more than the story of conjugal love, it is the love story of the church in revival.

Another book I read was "Built to Last" by James Collins and Jerry Porras which focuses on eighteen visionary companies which have endured not so much because of the success of their products, personalities of their leaders, but the way they built effective mechanisms within their organizations to express their core values.

It reminded me of a far greater visionary company, the church of the Lord Jesus, the body of Christ. It is being built to last because it is being prepared for the kingdom. To enter the kingdom is one thing. It happens when we first believe. For the kingdom to enter us is far more involved! The writer of the Book of Hebrews tells us that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).

Humankind takes pride in its enduring contributions - its legacy of art, architecture, technology and grand institutions. Yet the Lord reminds us that all of these things can be shaken and ultimately will be shaken. His kingdom and His kingdom alone is unshakeable and enduring. It is the only kingdom that will stand the test of time. That is why it would do us well to take to heart and put into practice the timeless principles and core values of His kingdom and seek the ways of expressing the kingdom in our relationships as a priority. To make love your aim is no trivial matter. To release forgiveness is not the way of defeat. The way of self-emptying and self-sacrifice is the way of true survival. To do good to others and bless your enemies is not a vain pursuit. These are the ways of the everlasting kingdom.

Growing,