With the sunrise of another year we wonder if this is the year our Blessed
Lord will return to take us to Himself. How we hope and pray He will come
this year! Until then, we must stand firm in our walk with the Lord and
our work for Him. Let us boldly proclaim the Gospel to the lost and firmly
stand for righteousness in a day of decadence. May we unashamedly hold to
the authority of Scripture even while those around us rebel against all authority!
Let us compassionately care for the perplexed and hurting, and offer them
the hope and help that comes only from God.
Beginning a new year presents some real challenges. This is a great time
for evaluation. We need to reflect on God's blessings and our spiritual
successes of the past year and rejoice. We also need to consider our failures
and weakness of the past, and learn from them. Let us not, however, linger
long on either the victories or defeats. To do so will make us complacent
on the one hand or disheartened on the other. After reflection we must,
like Paul, forget those things that are passed, and press for the prize in
Christ. In any event, let us be diligent to make this a year of progress
for Christ in our lives.
This new year abounds with opportunities to display the glorious love and transforming grace of our Wonderful Lord. May we each "redeem the time" by using to the fullest every opportunity for good God sends our way. When time gives way to eternity and we gaze into the brilliant face of our Savior, two questions will tower above all else. How did we walk with Christ, and what was our work for Him?