The End Of Another Year
Several thoughts go through my mind. First, is to note what a blessing it was last week to hear the many songs put together by Brother Jerry and those singing. No doubt time and work was put into the effort, and it showed. Also we are thankful to the Lord for those who made the bags/cookies, etc. as well as brought extra food. For a day of below zero weather and snow, it went quite well. The church came as well as several visitors for which we praise the Lord. For those who did not get a copy of the newly done CD by Jerry, and want one, pick it up from the table by the door.
There is no charge and they are for members and visitors alike. Second, we are coming to a conclusion in the Book of II Corinthians. Hopefully, you have been able to gather the essence of Paul’s appeal for a mutual love between those ministering the word and those having the word ministered to them.
Of course, as we grow in the Lord, are we not all to be teachers, ministering the word to one another to some degree? I think so - Hebrews 5.
Third, we are coming to the end of another year in the Lord and in His work. As we look back, we can see His hand and presence in our midst in many ways. We will talk about that during our annual business meeting next month, which is the second Sunday in January. Fourth, we are looking forward to ending the year together as we sing and hear the men speak. Often it seems their messages are a spiritual summary of the year in their lives as well as others. Then last, hopefully all of us can evaluate the past year, see our successes and failures, be thankful for both!, and make old and new determinations for the coming year. What a blessing it is to know and live for the Lord. But I think of the words Jerry and Randy spoke to the young concerning doing something well, and planning for it so it can happen. No doubt all of us need an increased dose of setting our selves to do something for the Lord in our personal lives, our homes, the church and in the neighbor. And what a blessing that will come from that. “A faithful man shall abound in blessings:” Or “cast your bread upon the waters, and after many days (the year 2009!) we will find it.”
Be sure that if we make determinations and plans to accomplish them within His will for the coming year, that the degree to which we do this - whether in our marriages, children, monies, health, winning the lost, learning God’s Word, praying confidently, serving the church, or doing good to our neighbor - God will bless it and we will be able to look back at the end of next year with great delight and a great sense of satisfaction to God’s glory.