Has it Really been Another Year?
2005 : December | Website Version
Has it really been another year? Have those days really passed us by so quickly? How can that be? Is life really moving that fast? This time a year, we all have a tendency to reflect back and project forward. Looking back through time, we see our existence as if we were watching a movie. Sometimes, we fast-forward over parts we'd rather not see again; sometimes, we linger on joyous memories etched, irremovably, in our hearts, souls and minds. As much as we reflect upon our past, we also project forward into our future. We have so many questions about what will come: what will next year bring? Will I be happy? Will it be difficult? Will it be prosperous? We bring the Lord our desires, and we pray that He will bless us. Yes, this time of year, we reflect on memories and dream our dreams. It’s a time spent in a world of fantasy created by our thoughts, and this is a good exercise for a short season. Spending some time in a place where dreams come true and only joyous memories live can be invigorating and remind us of the Lord’s great blessings...
...And yet, between our memories and dreams is the middle ground we live in. It is a very real and very human place we inhabit. Unlike our past, our present remains in a constant state of flux. Our life can change dramatically from moment to moment. And unlike our dreams, our present isn't always perfect. We don't live in the future Wonderland our mind creates; we live in a world that can test us daily. Our dreams may be perfect, and we can narrow our memories to focus only on good ones, but reality can test our courage and character. In those times of testing, God provides strength, and we must cling to Him daily. More then anyone else, He understands our hopes, our dreams and our realities. He has set good desires in our hearts, and He wants us to live a life of trust in Him.
Our verse from James reminds us that life in its present form goes by quickly. This might sadden some, but what great joy we have knowing that we will spend eternity with God. That is the reality that exceeds all others; we know that God will never leave us or forsake us. It makes our current reality, our past memories and the dreams for our future life on earth pale. How could anything possibly compare to our thoughts of eternity with our loving Father? Regardless of the state our life is in, thoughts of God are the best of all thoughts as we enter the New Year. We should all spend time with the Lord and meditate on His many promises:
He is our rest when life is difficult
|
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." |
|
| Matthew 11:28 (NASB) | |
|
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS." |
|
| Matthew 11:29 (NASB) | |
|
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. |
|
| Psalm 3:3 (NASB) | |
|
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. ...You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. |
|
| Psalm 23:1,5,6 (NASB) | |
|
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. |
|
| Isaiah 1:18 (NASB) | |
|
And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." |
|
| Revelation 19:16 (NASB) | |
|
"...your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. |
|
| Matthew 6:8-9 (NASB) | |
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you today and always…
*** Words of Jesus Christ appear in red
*** Our schedules continue to increase in complexity, and our lives are becoming ever more congested. As such, we have determined to send messages every two months going forward: expect to receive messages in February, April, June, August, October and December for 2006. We might add an additional message or two when we are able to do so, but six messages will be our minimum. We apologize that we cannot serve you in a more frequent manner, but it is not possible at the present time. Perhaps, one day, things will slow down for us, and we’ll be able to send messages more frequently. In the meantime, we pray that the site continues to be a blessing to you.
