I'M NOT IN CONTROL, BUT GOD IS

God continually works good things in our lives through the dark days and the bright days.

A couple of times each year I sense as starting points for the days and months ahead. One of those dates comes around on my birthday and the other on New Years Day. Do you get that fresh start vision at such times, or like many people, do you find yourself sliding in the direction of discouragement, or even depression. Just in the past couple of days I’ve heard well-meaning people in the media repeating New Year’s mantras such as “I’m a winner,” “I can do anything,” and “I’m in control.” Observation of life over the past 71 years convinces me that this kind of self-talk brings great discouragement sooner or later because they are not true of people, only of God. This is what I find to be so encouraging and uplifting in my life! God is in control, He can do anything, and He is a winner.

Recognizing God as my loving heavenly Father who loves me, directs my steps (through His Word) and perfectly cares for me through the hard and easy days of life gives me great peace, joy, and anticipation of the year ahead. I specifically said “hard” days of life because those days trip us up the quickest. But, “hard” days benefit us in countless ways that “easy” days cannot. Particularly, the difficult days should cause us to realize our need to lean hard on God and be dependent on Him, not ourselves, for everything. “Everything” includes all that pertains to our daily life now and forever.

As I have been reading the Bible in the past week, God’s call for us to be humble has really stood out to me. Isn’t this the real answer to living life fully? “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” (Colossians 3:12)

Beginning on January 10th at 9:30 a second study on Psalms will begin. You may pick up your study book in the foyer this coming Sunday morning. Please plan to have the first 3 days of Lesson 1 completed for the 10th. If you would like to be encouraged as the New Year begins, please plan to be part of this great study of Psalms.

THE BLESSED REACHING OUT TO THE HOPELESS

Thoughtful read these beautifully rich verses concerning God’s abundant blessings upon the lives of those who trust Him and our heartfelt response to His goodness. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalms 103:2-5) Believers receiving unending blessings from God, but we don’t want to keep them to ourselves. During this coming Christmas season we will come across many people without hope who need to hear about our great God. Today I read an informative article from ABWE about reaching out to our friends and neighbors that I think will be helpful for all of us during the month of December.

You have an opportunity to invite someone to our Ladies Christmas Dinner on Saturday December 15th at 5:30 in the evening. It will be a delightful evening of singing, inspiration, and delicious food; perfect for inviting friends and family.

This Thursday morning we will have a deep look at the verses that I shared at the beginning of this blog. You will find that this Christmas will be more meaningful than ever after thinking long about Psalm 103.