Traveling in 2008
Category: Pastor's ColumnThis article originally appeared in the January edition of FFCC’s newsletter, “The Tidings.”
“Hence we can say confidently, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me? Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:6 -8)
As a child I could never picture living in the 21st century. I did wonder what it would be like. Would it be like those science fiction movies of domed cities and colonies set up on Mars and the Moon? Would we be wearing metallic clothing? Would life be like “The Jetsons” on TV? The year 2000 seemed so far off and by then I would be . . . old, so I thought. During the last year there has been so much said and writing about the rapid changes in technology just since this New Millennium began eight years ago. Journalists are still writing about tragedies and terrorist acts of the past few years and the possibilities of the unknown factors. In spite of the unknown factors, the concluding of year doesn’t seem any different from any other year. In Christian faith we have the same opportunities we have any year. We never know what the coming year will bring. It is not my intention to make light of recent tragedies. Any year can bring war, terrorism, ill health or financial hardship. For this reason I find the words of the writer to the Hebrews in chapter 13 so comforting. God’s love for us through Jesus Christ is still the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. That never changes. The proof that we believe this is in the response we make in our living. As it has been said in past years, the coming year still gives us the opportunity to re-covenant our side of the promise with God, or to name anew the responsibilities we have as faith people. As in any given year we can make one of the following commitments. (From “This Year” by Ruth A. Richie.)
- Mend a quarrel
- Keep a Promise
- Apologize if we are wrong
- Find time alone with God
- Listen to another point a view
- Forego a grudge
- Think of the needs of others
- Forgive an enemy
- Say “thank you” for the small gifts
- Laugh a little
- Be kind
- Laugh a little more
- Welcome a stranger
- Seek a forgotten friend
- Introduce yourself to a guest
- Dismiss suspicion & replace it with trust
- Take a deep breath
- Thank God for the new day
- Give a soft answer
- Encourage youth
- Listen to children
- Visit someone who lives alone
- Speak with Love
- Speak with love, again.
- Whisper a prayer in the morning (and at noon and night, as well).
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17)
Peace, Joy & Hope
Pastor Sam
