December 2015 Archives
Preparing for Jesus’ Coming
I wonder what it was like to live before Jesus was born. The prophets had foretold His birth and encouraged people to be ready, but I wonder how many took the prophecy seriously. Maybe it seemed like one of those tales they had heard their whole lives so, even if it would become true some day, it most likely wouldn’t be in their lifetime.
I expect that people then were very much like they are today. The difference is that, today, we know He came. He lived, He died, He rose. But He also promised to come again! Are we watching, making sure that we are ready for His return? Or we are going through life with a vague recollection that He said He would return, but it probably won’t be for a long time yet?
Although that may be true, we need to live as if He were coming today. So many missed His first coming. I do not want to be among those who are not ready for Jesus’ second coming.
As you celebrate this week, think about how much we truly have to celebrate. God so loved you that He gave His Son, and one day, we will get to see Him face to face. Lord, hasten that day!
Thinking of LaBreeska Hemphill
Probably the second song I ever sang in public was “He’s Still Working on Me,” made popular by The Hemphills back in the 1980s. This group (consisting of Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill and their children: Joey, Trent, and Candy) became one of my favorites but, unfortunately, they disbanded before I had the opportunity to see them in person.
I was sad to hear of LaBreeska’s Homegoing this week, but I’ve no doubt she is with the Savior she sang about for a lot of years. LaBreeska was one of the classy ladies of our genre, as well as a great singer. Her song, “An Unfinished Task,” is one I sing from time to time as a prayer to the Lord. I share it here to give you something to ponder the next several weeks. Is there something God has called you to do which you are procrastinating about? Tomorrow is not promised. Today is the day to serve God wholeheartedly so that, when He calls you Home, you know you have run the race and kept the faith and are now ready to see Him.
Focus on Jesus
Happy December! I trust you had a great Thanksgiving and are continuing to count your blessings. There are some things trying to bring me down right now but I am still very blessed. I know the enemy is just trying to make me lose sight of that. One problem with writing is that I am often tested on the very things I write about, but this does not make the words less true.
I know many people deal with depression this time of year. If you are one of those, I want to encourage you to fill your mind with things that are pure, true, lovely, of good report, etc. It is easy to lose sight of those things, but it is often when we take our eyes off of Jesus and everything He has done for us that the weight of the world begins to overwhelm. Sometimes feelings of oppression, anxiety, etc. are simply reminders to draw near to Him. I definitely feel the difference when I allow the busyness of life to keep me from quality time with my Father. I hate that feeling, so I make more effort to stay close to Him.
Even now, I feel my Savior calling me to spend some time with Him while it’s quiet. Therefore, I must go, but I will write again soon. Be blessed, dear Brothers and Sisters, and remember that it will be worth it all.
