December 2012 Archives
Goodbye, 2012!
Another year is almost gone and, with it comes reflecting. Unfortunately, this year seemed to see more struggles than victories in my life but I’m grateful that God’s mercies are new every morning. For me, the end of the year marks the perfect time to re-focus, get my mind back on God, my hand in His, and my face set toward my Home instead of the things of earth. I’m asking God to show me the things He desires to change in me. I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions per se but I do resolve to continue to serve God and follow Him.
I am grateful to God for bringing my family through another year. We’ve put on tons of miles (literally) but, through it all, God has covered and protected us. We’ve seen people drawn closer to the Lord, heard testimonies of people coming to know Christ, and been able to encourage countless others. God’s Word does not return void.
As I say goodbye to another year, I know that I still have a lot to be thankful for. God has never left my side and has proven over and over just how much He loves me. Thank You, Lord, for bringing me safely through another year. May I continue to grow because of the trials and may I never cease to thank You for Your many blessings.
Reflecting on Psalm 98
“O sing to the LORD a new song; for He has done marvelous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, has gotten Him the victory.The LORD has made known His salvation: His righteousness has He openly showed in the sight of the heathen.He has remembered His mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God” (Psalm 98:1-3).
I received some bad news last evening but, this morning, as I opened my Bible, Psalm 98 came alive to me. Everything that happens is for a purpose. I know it in theory but many times, I have no clue what that purpose is. I have to believe by faith that “all things work together for good to those who love God” but many are the times I question how a situation can produce good at all.
The above verses reminded me that trials sometimes come to give us the opportunity to be a witness to those who don’t know Him. “His righteousness has He openly showed in the sight of the heathen.” Are you coming through your trial bitterly or are you coming through righteously so those who are watching can see the salvation of our God?
If you go on to read the rest of the chapter, the Psalmist talks about praising God with song and instruments. As the Hoppers used to sing, don’t let the battle steal your praise. Keep singing and praising God, acknowledging your love for and trust in Him. There are certain mountains I pray I never have to climb but, if the day comes when I do indeed need to climb those mountains, I know that God will be right there showing Himself strong in the most dismal circumstances. I know He’ll do the same for you.
Being Willing to Change
It’s been a very odd Autumn with no real snow to speak of as of yet where I live. Now that winter has arrived, I wonder if that will change. Winter did hit with a lot of wind, and I’ve heard that snow is in the forecast. I’m SO glad I didn’t have to go out today.
Christmas is less than a week away so, as I was praying this morning, I went ahead and started asking God to show me the things He desires to change in my life. I pray that He gives me ears to hear and a heart that is willing to follow Him wholeheartedly whatever He asks.
My goal is to remember that His plans for my life are good and not evil. His love for me is never ending. He wants me to be like Him because He is perfect, He is pure and holy, and it’s the pure in heart that shall see God. Without Him, there is no way I can be what He wants me to be but, as I take His hand and allow Him to lead me, He can begin to mold me so that I can be more greatly used of Him. That’s my desire, and I hope it’s yours as well. Let’s go through this Christmas season with our eyes on Jesus and our hearts turned toward Him so we can hear Him when He speaks. Then let’s encourage each other as we hear His voice. He’s no longer a baby in a manger but He’s the King of kings who desires to be your friend. Will you say yes?
Random Thoughts for December
It’s hard to believe Christmas is now less than a week away. I love this time of year but, as much as I’m looking forward to some time off and a change of pace, I don’t feel quite ready for it.
Weather is changing everywhere it seems right now. Up until a year or two ago, we would be experiencing freezing weather this time of year. Proof that God is God and we are not?
This is the time of year where people talk about peace on earth and good will to men. Are we exhibiting the peace and love we talk and sing about? We can’t expect the world to show those things if we’re not.
As I always caution this time of year, don’t get so into the hustle and bustle of the season that you forget the Reason we celebrate. CHRISTmas is not about gifts and trees and lights. I enjoy those things but the Reason we celebrate is that Jesus Christ humbled Himself and came to earth as a baby in a manger. He came to His own and His own received Him not but, to those who did receive Him, He gave power to become the child of God. THAT is what I’m celebrating. All the festivities are just a reminder of what Jesus has done for me.
Walking Through Grief
This is probably the longest I have gone without making a post since I started this blog, and this may seem like the wrong post to make this time of year but hopefully you’ll understand why I’m writing about this now.
The last couple weeks found me watching the children of a dear friend whose mother passed away. Although I’ve probably lived over half my life already, I’ve not had many really close friends or family members die so I had to pray for wisdom to walk through this difficult time with these children who were saying goodbye to their grandma.
I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be there with them. My friend stayed in touch so I got to hear first-hand the grace God was extending to her and her family. We read verses about God’s grace being sufficient and His strength being perfect in our weakness but I’m not sure there’s anything quite like experiencing it.
I have several friends who have lost loved ones this time of year. In some ways, it seems like a really bad time to lose someone but, on the other hand, humanly, I’m not sure there’s ever a good time. I do know that, when God calls a person Home, He extends grace, strength and peace to those left behind.
If you have a loved one who has recently graduated to Heaven, don’t mourn as those who have no hope. Thank God for the time you had with your friend or relative and trust Him to do as He’s promised and walk beside you during the difficult times. Feel His arms around you as you cry your tears but praise Him that you will see your loved one again if he or she knew Him. It won’t be long at all until we see Jesus ourselves and then every heartache we had on earth will be of no importance.
