Today marks the beginning of a new year. Today the date ends with 2008. The events of the past year are now boxed neatly and put away and the next year stands pregnant with mystery. I look back on the past year and am amazed at how many changes have taken place and what 2007 brought. I look toward the next year with 365 days yet to live in it(the Lord willing) and wonder what will happen. I am old enough to know there will be pain involved in the year to come. There will be hardships that will surprise, waves that will bowl us over, wind that may threaten to tear away the sails. I think of the disciples in a little fishing boat many, many years ago. The storm came out of nowhere and as seasoned as they were they thought they were goners. There may be a time or two this year when you will think you are a goner. One of the disciples finally remembered that Jesus was in the boat somewhere and went to find him. They shook Jesus awake and said," Don't you care we are about to die"? Jesus wiped the sleep out of his eyes, spoke a word to calm the storm and then looked them over and said,"Where is your faith"? That is a poignant question. What is it you are trusting in? In the middle of a storm I grab onto oars, I ask advice, I wring my hands, and I forget that Jesus is in the boat. Looking back on 2007 I see him now. In the midst of all the turmoil there he is asking the same question, waiting for me to recognize his Presence. So, I look forward to 2008. I don't know what it will bring. There will be storms, maybe some big ones, but the One I can count on is already in the boat. So, I sail, with my face toward the wind and my eyes peeled for adventure. There is joy even in the wonder of the uncertainty of what life can bring when I know I am not alone. Some of you may already be in the storm of a lifetime. Look around, you are not alone. The One with the power to speak to the waves and the wind is with you. I will not pray for a storm free 2008 but only for eyes to see the closeness of Jesus and the wisdom to answer the question of my Lord,"Joe, where is your faith"?
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
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3 comments:
Joe-
I man much wiser than me said I should think of pain as bananas! I thank him for that message. - It sort of reminded me what Paul said about the pain and trials he went through. I really did not care much for bananas until then!
God Bless!
The church building is void of all people for all services. You look out and you see only the Bridegroom The Head of the Church seated on his throne who has called you to the great privilege to be his vessel trusted to reflect his glory; an awesome responsibility. He alone sits and listens to what has been placed on your heart to teach and then holds out his hands wounds visable and draws you once again to himself as he did when you first encountered him as Lord and Savior and says I love you I love you I love you I will lead you. Tell the flock of my love and that I am coming soon now is the time I am calling you to be my bride. May his presence always fill his sanctuary. Press on until his appearing you will never stand alone.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived the wonderful things God has in store for those who love him."
Imagine Alpe D'Huez in spring. 74 degrees sunny and clear. Riding up with a group of your best friends. Lunch at the top with everybodies' families.
Not even comparable to a day with Jesus. (Unless of course I won the race to the top.....just kidding).
S
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