My New Year's Thoughts

Well, 2012 in now in the history books and I hope all of you had a happy and safe New Year. I remember last year as being a year of fear for many people. I heard story after story of how the economy would crash along with others who believed the world would come to an end. Obviously, neither of these things happened. There was also the crowd who believed we are on the eve of destruction, so they are committed to prepping. While some prepped to be prepared just in case of emergency, others prepped out of fear of the crash which they believed is to come. I am sure prepping will continue to be trend of this year. Yes, there are many threats which could result in a major catastrophe in the near future, but will they happen or not is something we will have to wait and see. I have to wonder how many are prepared for the one thing which we know lies ahead. That is: "It is appointed for man to die once, and then comes judgment." (Hebrews 9:27) Then another area of fear for some is that man will destroy the environment through green house gases, weapons of mass destruction or by some other means. But the Bible says that God will destroy this world and then He will create a new heavens and a new earth. (2 Peter 3 and Revelation 21)

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I do not have to allow all the concerns of this world consume me in fear. Nothing can separate me from the love of God for I know one day I will live in His Heavenly kingdom. There is no need to fear an economic collapse as God owns all the resources any way and He can give them to whom He so chooses. God promises in His Word to "provide for all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) Jesus said all we have to do is “seek the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things will be added to us." (Matthew 6:25-34) While Jesus warned with these words; “in this world we will have tribulation,” He also comforts us with His encouragement "to be of good cheer because He has overcome this world." (John 16:33)

Since making New Year’s resolutions is common this time of year, I guess I should talk a bit about that since I am rambling on with my thoughts. I usually do not go out and make New Year’s resolutions, but fear and worry is something which I have battled with. This year I desire to have growth and victory in this area through Jesus Christ. Second, I want to grow in my relationship with the Lord and in my relationship with my wife. Finally, I desire continuing serving the Lord in whatever way He leads me.

Enough rambling on, but I hope and pray each of you have a blessed 2013 in Christ Jesus.

I’m Back!

Credit: FreeFoto

Wow it’s been awhile since I’ve been on my blog or visiting other blogs. I am not quite sure what happened, but I drifted away from blogging. Maybe in part I lost sight of why I blog. Maybe I felt overwhelmed and became burnt out due to exerting a lot of effort writing my posts. Some people sit down at the computer, type away and publish a post just like that. But that is not me. I have to think, write, rewrite, and proof over and over again.

I ask myself, why does the Lord want me blogging? After all I am not an accomplished writer. However, the Lord did call me to write a blog. But why use me? It is because He wants His Word going forth. In my weakness, He is made strong. He uses my effort to grow me. Reading other blogs also helps sink God’s Word deeper into my heart.

As I look back, I was truly blessed by my blogging experience. I was growing in my walk and enjoying fellowshipping with my blogger friends. I think of the times when someone left a comment saying, “That is what I needed to hear today.” What a blessing it is to know I encouraged someone. Then, how many unbelievers came to my site and was touched by the Lord in some way? This side of heaven I may never know how the Lord used my blog to reach the lost or encourage believers. This I know, His Word does not return to Him void. So here I go again. I am looking forward to visiting my friends and spreading the message of Christ through my blog once again.

 

Believers Are Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV)

The Goodness Of The Lord

As a child of God, who trusts in Him,
I can always count on the goodness of the Lord.
When trials and troubles come my way,
the goodness of the Lord will see me through.


Psalm 31:19 (New Living Translation)

How great is the goodness
you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.

The LORD Is Good

Have you tasted the Goodness of the Lord?

Psalm 34:8 NKJV

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

This is not suggesting "I will give the Lord a try and see if my life gets better."

But the only way you know the Lord is good and real is to walk with Him and see. Many people say there is no evidence for God. Others have grown up in the Church but have not tasted the goodness of the Lord. When you truly repent of your sins and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior you start to see the goodness of the Lord. You grow in a personal relationship with Him and you know He is real. He lives in you and directs your path. You become a new creation in Christ Jesus!

A Change Of Seasons

I am pleased with the fact summer is finally coming to an end here in the Valley of the Sun. It has been a long and hot summer. But none the less, it was a good summer. Every year in spring I look forward to summer. Then when August and September rolls around, I am ready for cooling off. Now I will be able to enjoy things with loved ones outdoors such as a walk in the park with my girlfriend or a trip to the zoo with the grandkids. Oh, and how I enjoy reading the Bible out on the back patio on a nice cool morning while drinking a warm cup of coffee. Or setting under a shade tree listening to the birds and wind through the trees relfecting on Jesus and how good He is.

While it is nice to look forward to what lies ahead in the fall, this is a good time to reflect on the wonderful things of last summer and thank God for His blessing. One awesome thing to be thankful for is the extra time I was blessed to have with my girlfriend. She works two jobs most of the year, but in the summer only one job. With me working swing shift, our time is usually limited. I also took her to meet my mom in July. I am thankful to have my mom still living and we were able to go visit her. She is in her upper 80’s, so thank you Lord Jesus for that blessing.

A Trial May Be At Hand

This life can and does throw many hard and challenging trials our way. We lose loved ones, lose our jobs, serious illnesses to cope with and people who want to harm us. What a wonderful comfort, as a believer in Jesus Christ, to know God is with me. Right now I am looking at the possibility of going through another trying time. The economy is in bad shape and my current employment is on shaky ground. My employer is downsizing and people are being laid off.

I do not know what the future holds. Maybe I stay employed, maybe not. The good news, I do not have to worry because I know the one who holds the future in His hands. Yes, I am human and I do tend to worry. Even fear things at times. But what a comfort it is to know Jesus is with me. I know from Scripture, I have a future and a hope.

If I get laid off from my job, I will look to Him to carry me through. I will praise Him still because I know He holds me in the palm of His hand. I will trust He will work everything for good. The Lord will either take down a different path in life; or the Lord will keep me working where I am at. Whatever the case may be, I will rejoice because He is with me.