January 5, 2010

Number 1

VIEWPOINT

Did you get “everything” you wanted for Christmas?  Did Old St. Nick get it just right?  Or are you shopping the after-Christmas sales? 

While the commercial world wants us to remain unsatisfied and greedy for more material goods, the Christian holds a different perspective.  While the giving and receiving of gifts is an enjoyable tradition, it’s not the most important priority.  It’s fun to express our love and appreciation for our loved ones.  When we get down to the bottom line, though, do we really need more?  Spiritually, we have everything we need in Christ.  “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

If asked what of Jesus I think,

Though still my best thoughts are but poor,

I'll say He's my meat and my drink,

My life, and my strength, and my store;

My Shepherd, my Husband, my friend,

My Savior from sin and from thrall,

My hope from beginning to end,

My Lord, and my God, and my all.           

(Ruth Stewart)

Jesus is all we need because he provides forgiveness for our past; he gives strength and guidance for our present life; and he offers hope for our future.  Nobody else can do that!  Jesus really is all that we need:

·         When we are hungry, he is our living bread.

·         When we are sad, he is our good tidings of joy.

·         When we are poor, he is our wealth.

·         When we are in darkness, he is the light of the world.

·         When we need advice, he is our counselor.

·         When we are tired, he is our rest.

·         When we are sick, he is our physician.

·         When we are lonely, he is our friend.

·         When we are weak, he is our strength.

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I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile, and a positive word!   RA

2010

New Year’s cartoons are full of jokes about breaking resolutions.  Jokes about New Year’s resolutions, however, make be an indication of a more serious problem.  It may point to our fear and lack of determination to persevere, to achieve, and to grow. 

We need new beginnings.  We need the opportunity to start over.  Since we are looking at a measure of new time which has an element of the unknown in it, let us make or renew one important resolve – to go through 2010 with trust and faith in God our Father as to what should be done (James 2:19-26).  We should submit to Him (James 4:7), draw near to Him (James 4:8) and be patient (James 5:7).  That attitude of trust is illustrated in this poem.

FROM THE GATE OF THE YEAR

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

“Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown!”

And he replied:

“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.

And He led me toward the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So, heart, be still!

What need our little life,

Our human life, to know,

If God hath comprehension?

In all the dizzy strife

Of things both high and low

God hideth His intention.

-- Louise Haskins