ANOTHER YEAR

Through the LORD's mercies

we are not consumed, because

His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22,23

When I think of New Years, my mind goes back many years when churches celebrated a new year in very festive ways. I remember those times from the age of about six and on through high school. New Year's eve at the church usually began around 8:00 in the evening. There was always an opening church service. Folks could leave after that if they wanted to but most stayed around.

After the service, was a long break for eating. Ladies brought all sorts of food to satisfy hearty eaters. By the time the eating, visiting and cleanup were finished, it could have been ten or ten thirty.

We then moved back to the church auditorium. I remember seeing a really good Christian film, later many that were produced by Billy Graham. That could have taken up an hour or more. Thoughtful mothers had brought quilts and some pillows for little children who by the film time were ready to sack out. They were put down in pews that became their pre-beds.

About 11:30, there were sometimes testimony times and a few minutes prior to midnight, mostly men would kneel at the alter and pray in the new year. With that done, our janitor would go immediately and begin pulling the rope connected to our church bell in the steeple. He would ring that bell heartedly, but upon stepping outside, one could hear other church bells ringing from churches all around town who too had welcomed the new year with their own church families.

So now, we face a new year. I've never believed in resolutions, but have used the word “goals.” Resolutions sounds rather SELF to me but with goals, I have a Heavenly Father who can strengthen me in attaining desired results. No matter how we bring it in or jump into the new year, I pray for us that we will have a wonderful year in the Lord that pleases Him and keeps us close to Him. The year isn't ours...it's His. May we bring glory to our Heavenly Father in all we are and all we do.

Thank You Father for a new year. We don't know what it will bring, but we want it to be a year of service to others but primarily for Your glory. In Jesus' name....Amen 

HE IS HERE!

Behold, the virgin shall be with child,

and bear a Son, and they shall call

His name Immanuel, which is

translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

There is no way of knowing now how I got into doing a “Christmas piece” (poem) for the children's program at our church that was to be just before Christmas. I had just gotten into kindergarten. I knew it was all the big kids that did those “pieces”, but Alma Lockman came into my Sunday school class and gave me my “piece”, I told her I didn't want to do it, but she assured me that my mother would help me with it. They needed a really little kid to open up the program with the first words of welcome. It would be my first experience at public speaking.

We rehearsed the Saturday before the program in the church auditorium and of course, I had to go first. I looked around at all the children and their parents who were there which looked like a crowd to me. I was told where to stand on the platform that was rather high from the main floor. Miss Alma motioned for me to go ahead and speak, but I froze....I couldn't say a word.

Finally, Miss Alma walked on floor level toward me. She was rather short so she reached up and tenderly took hold of my ankles with nothing but love and concern. I told her I was scared with all the people there. Then she said something to me intending to comfort me but, it didn't do the job. She told me I didn't need to be scared because....”JESUS IS HERE!” Oh man, all those people and now she tells me that Jesus is somewhere there. I looked all around and didn't see Him anywhere, but managed to finish my “piece.”

I've never forgotten that event. It wasn't the new clothes I had to wear or Miss Alma's love. I got through it all, taking Miss Alma's word that Jesus was there. I couldn't see Him in person, but in my fear and trembling, I had the assurance of Jesus' presence because Miss Alma said so.

Miss Alma is in Heaven as probably most of the adults who were there that rehearsal day. However, I am reminded in difficult days of loneliness or even fear, that even if I can't see Jesus in person, I know He's a presence in my life day and night. He's present even now when I've had to teach or speak to ladies in various places. What a sweet assurance for every day, and not just on Christmas day, that Immanuel is with me.

Thank You Jesus for always being a presence in my life. Your love and comfort in these days mean more to me than I can express. In Your precious name....Amen

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Forasmch as there is none like

unto thee, O Lord, thou art

great, and thy name is great

in might.

Jeremiah 10:6

Names have always been important for time and eternity. Proper names basically identify a person, company, organization, small business, medical facilities, churches and even puppies. I was given a VERY long name that few people can say with accuracy at first sight. In elementary school, I hated the first day of school when teachers felt they had to call out each student's name. Some of my teachers had taught my mom. They knew how to say my name, but still messed it up with resulting laughter in the room.

Names don't just identify us. We come to be known by those names when it comes to reputation be it good, bad or questionable. Many names from history and even in our day with known folks are judged on the spot when their names are mentioned in any context. In prior days, I recall older folks talking about the importance of having a good name. I didn't understand that then, but do now.

Despite the good or bad names we have known, the only name that is a name above all names is the name of Jesus. Isaiah gave us one list of names that are credited to Jesus in 9:6...Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There is no mispronouncing or misunderstanding any of those names. Jesus is all those and more.

I began some time ago in my Bible reading to circle every name for God, Jesus or the Spirit. I love opening my Bible and seeing God's name jump out at me....that precious name above all others. May we bless and appreciate all those precious names. There's no other name like His.

Thank You Jesus for coming to love and save us. May we always seek to honor and glorify You and Your precious name. In Your honor.....Amen 

THEN CAME WINTER

But I trusted in thee, O Lord:

I said, Thou art my God.

My times are in thy hand...

Psalm 31:14,15a

Winter has never been my favorite season. In times past, about all I ever enjoyed about this season was Christmas and my birthday in January. Depending on where I lived, I usually lived in the middle of lots of snow. Even as a kid, I didn't like snow. There were dark days, chills to the bone and having to wear gloves and boots most of the time. A ride on a sled was about my only enjoyment where winter was concerned.

Looking at our lives, I believe the four weather seasons we live through can be applied to where we are in life. Spring reminds me of new life and the nurturing of life into adulthood. Summer is a continuation of the young life that continues to be nurtured into young adult life through higher education, careers and family life. Fall brings us to a more mature view of life that can involve more established scenes. Some may even look to early retirement. With it can come empty-nesters, grandchildren, aging pets, and a good feeling of life in general.

THEN CAME WINTER...as much as I have never really liked the winter seasons, my present winter isn't all that bad. Oh, there are the usuals we experience in these particular days...arthritis, tendency to trip and fall, retirement adjustments, Medicare, married children with their own lives, Homegoing of loved ones, relaxing in a comfy chair, and watching a clock with hands that seem to move much too quickly.

For older believers, the winter days can be full of sadness and regret. Such folks become moody and hard to get along with. That's no way to complete life's journey. There won't be another spring time to walk into. Winter is our final season of life, so to speak. As believers, a major goal for each of us is to finish well. No matter the good life and example we have led for 90% of our lives, that final 10% is what will be most remembered by those who knew us.

My concern for us winter snow birds can be a spiritual smugness that can take over. It's during these years we feel we have grown as much spiritually as we ever will. How wrong can we be? These are years with more time in Scripture, in prayer and being a blessing in the lives of others. Winter, despite the weather, can be days of SONshine, with folks who love Jesus and others like never before. May we continue to grow in Him with the vigor of our Spring and Summer days. If we are in our winter days right now, we should eventually leave them having enjoyed every day and loving and knowing the Lord like never before. If you are in another season, make the best of each day knowing that around the corner, winter will arrive sooner than expected.

Thank You Father, for every day You give us in this life of ours. Help us to make each day You give us count for You and count in the lives of others You allow to send our way. In Jesus...Amen