Exodus 15:22-24 (NASB) (NASB)
22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the
wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no
water. 23 When
they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were
bitter; therefore it was named Marah.
24
So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"
What makes you grumble? Politicians? Finances? Hypocrisy? Tests and trials? Job? Children? I am sure you have your list. The word grumble means to "growl, murmur." To put it another way it is the sour disposition of complaining.
Everybody knows someone who complains, gripes, and grumbles all the time. Nothing makes them happy. They are the people who find something wrong with everything and everyone. What is worse, they do not keep their complaints to themselves. They feel it is their right to voice their complaints to everyone within ear shot.
I have certainly done my fare share of grumbling over the years. I have also heard my fare share of grumbling from disgruntled church members. These people usually come with their complaints starting the conversation like this, "There are some people saying...." When questioned as to who those people are they are quick to crawfish.
Let's be honest. People like to grumble. People like to vent their complaints. They like to set the record straight, clear the air, tell it how it is and tell where the cow ate the cabbage. The problem is such people usually destroy others in their path. They constantly tear people down but never build them up. You can see this with many parents and the way they criticize their children. Eventually the children lose hope of every making such parents proud or happy.
Are you a grumbler? Did you wake up today grumbling and complaining? In the above passage the scriptures go on in a later verse to say God tested Israel. God tested Israel wen they could not find water to drink. They were quick to grumble. Quick to complain and gripe. Don't we do the same when God doesn't do things the way we want.
How about a grumble free day. A day when we make a conscious effort not to complain. I bet it would be harder than you think. To go an entire day and to focus on not grumbling and griping would take great focus, the fruit of the Spirit as we submit to and walk in the Spirit. I know it is possible for all things are possible with God. So how about it. Shoot for a grumble free day. If we make it we can try for another. Maybe, in time, this could become a new pattern of behavior.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
The Ilusion
They said I could have it all, the American dream come to fruition,
If I worked hard, made the grades and earned a degree after tuition,
Over the years I worked and believed with all my internal aspirations,
I prayed, preached and labored with my brow drenched in perspiration,
The American dream I so long chased proved nothing but an illusion,
A fancy of my imagination planted by Lucifer as a deceptive delusion,
The American dream seemed out of reach and forever looked elusive,
The mental battles were the worst as negative thoughts became abusive,
I found no peace, lived with perpetual frustration and a faith fractured,
The illusive American dream never came no matter what I manufactured,
Then it dawned on me through what can only be described as revelation,
Contentment, joyful fulfillment are in God taught in scriptural inspiration,
Houses, land, automobiles and the latest fashions can never fully satisfy,
The American dream is an illusion I stand here tonight to joyfully testify,
There is fullness of joy - pleasures in God's presence now and forevermore,
Satan is a lying destructive raging bull - Jesus my Savior and faithful matador,
I will not fall for Satan's lies - no longer trapped by his destructive deceptions,
For I am redeemed in Christ by a Savior conceived by immaculate concception.
If I worked hard, made the grades and earned a degree after tuition,
Over the years I worked and believed with all my internal aspirations,
I prayed, preached and labored with my brow drenched in perspiration,
The American dream I so long chased proved nothing but an illusion,
A fancy of my imagination planted by Lucifer as a deceptive delusion,
The American dream seemed out of reach and forever looked elusive,
The mental battles were the worst as negative thoughts became abusive,
I found no peace, lived with perpetual frustration and a faith fractured,
The illusive American dream never came no matter what I manufactured,
Then it dawned on me through what can only be described as revelation,
Contentment, joyful fulfillment are in God taught in scriptural inspiration,
Houses, land, automobiles and the latest fashions can never fully satisfy,
The American dream is an illusion I stand here tonight to joyfully testify,
There is fullness of joy - pleasures in God's presence now and forevermore,
Satan is a lying destructive raging bull - Jesus my Savior and faithful matador,
I will not fall for Satan's lies - no longer trapped by his destructive deceptions,
For I am redeemed in Christ by a Savior conceived by immaculate concception.
The Richest Man In Town
It is hard for me to put into words how blessed I've felt this Christmas season. It really had nothing to do with gifts exchanged. It had everything to do with the people I shared the season alongside. Namely those people areBrenda, Taylor, Tanner, Tucker, Turner, Linda Ortiz, the Adkins family and the Dunham family.
Rich relationships made this one special Christmas for this prophet-pastor. I cannot remember a time when I have enjoyed my family more than these past couple of weeks. My heart has been blessed watching all the boys pile into Tucker's and Turner's room to play video games together. We enjoyed a few family movie nights. We ate family dinners with every reserved seat filled. We laughed together. We enjoyed warm fires in the living room on cold days. We told stories and relived a few memories from years gone by. We even talked about the future when all the boys will be married and will have families of their own. Taylor was sure to tell me he would still planned on coming home for Christmas with his family. I reminded him that his future wife will also have a family and we will have to share him with her family as well.
Sadly it is coming to an end. Taylor leaves for college in four days. The other three start back to school in the morning. Tanner has already had several basketball games over the break and his first powerlifting meet comes up on Saturday. Before Taylor heads back to Brownwood we took him to one of his favorite restaurants. All six of us sat around a round table. We laughed at one point because none the boys talked as they busied themselves scarfing down Mexican food.They were starving after weight workouts. I enjoyed our being together. Tonight was our only free night for the rest of the week. I'm glad we paused and enjoyed it together.
Brenda and I followed up dinner with a date to the grocery store just the two of us. We held hands as we drove. We talked about our day and about random things. Going to the grocery store is far from romantic. It did not matter. We were together.
I joked to her at one point about kidnapping me. I thought we were just picking up a few necessities. I soon realized we were on a FULL GROCERY STORE SHOPPING EXPEDITION. I knew this meant we would go down every aisle and check every price for the best deals. ARGGGGGGGGGGGGG! I consoled myself with a few extra items thrown in the buggy. The price to be paid for THE FULL ON GROCERY SHOPPING EXPEDITION.
I am blessed. These past few weeks did not stress me out. I purposely slowed my pace and enjoyed the people God gave me to share this journey of life.
I know all too well from observing other's grief not to take these relationships and opportunities for granted. I am blessed. Like George Baily, in the fictional movie It's A Wonderful Life, I am the richest man in town and that has NOTHING TO DO WITH MY BANK ACCOUNT.
Rich relationships made this one special Christmas for this prophet-pastor. I cannot remember a time when I have enjoyed my family more than these past couple of weeks. My heart has been blessed watching all the boys pile into Tucker's and Turner's room to play video games together. We enjoyed a few family movie nights. We ate family dinners with every reserved seat filled. We laughed together. We enjoyed warm fires in the living room on cold days. We told stories and relived a few memories from years gone by. We even talked about the future when all the boys will be married and will have families of their own. Taylor was sure to tell me he would still planned on coming home for Christmas with his family. I reminded him that his future wife will also have a family and we will have to share him with her family as well.
Sadly it is coming to an end. Taylor leaves for college in four days. The other three start back to school in the morning. Tanner has already had several basketball games over the break and his first powerlifting meet comes up on Saturday. Before Taylor heads back to Brownwood we took him to one of his favorite restaurants. All six of us sat around a round table. We laughed at one point because none the boys talked as they busied themselves scarfing down Mexican food.They were starving after weight workouts. I enjoyed our being together. Tonight was our only free night for the rest of the week. I'm glad we paused and enjoyed it together.
Brenda and I followed up dinner with a date to the grocery store just the two of us. We held hands as we drove. We talked about our day and about random things. Going to the grocery store is far from romantic. It did not matter. We were together.
I joked to her at one point about kidnapping me. I thought we were just picking up a few necessities. I soon realized we were on a FULL GROCERY STORE SHOPPING EXPEDITION. I knew this meant we would go down every aisle and check every price for the best deals. ARGGGGGGGGGGGGG! I consoled myself with a few extra items thrown in the buggy. The price to be paid for THE FULL ON GROCERY SHOPPING EXPEDITION.
I am blessed. These past few weeks did not stress me out. I purposely slowed my pace and enjoyed the people God gave me to share this journey of life.
I know all too well from observing other's grief not to take these relationships and opportunities for granted. I am blessed. Like George Baily, in the fictional movie It's A Wonderful Life, I am the richest man in town and that has NOTHING TO DO WITH MY BANK ACCOUNT.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
God Out Front
Exodus 13:21-22 (NASB)
21 The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
God went before the Israelites. That means He went out front of them. He does the same for us today. As we start 2016 I am thankful God will go before us each day of the year. He will go out front during the bitter cold months, the youthful days of spring, into the dog days of summer and through festive fall season as well. Each hour of each day God will be leading us out front. Think ahead to any day of 2016 and beyond and God is already there waiting on us.
God has always led His people. He is still leading today and He will lead out front into the future. Some would say they wish God still led with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He does. How you ask?
Psalm 119:105 (NASB)
105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
21 The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
God went before the Israelites. That means He went out front of them. He does the same for us today. As we start 2016 I am thankful God will go before us each day of the year. He will go out front during the bitter cold months, the youthful days of spring, into the dog days of summer and through festive fall season as well. Each hour of each day God will be leading us out front. Think ahead to any day of 2016 and beyond and God is already there waiting on us.
God has always led His people. He is still leading today and He will lead out front into the future. Some would say they wish God still led with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He does. How you ask?
Psalm 119:105 (NASB)
105
Through His word God is still leading His people out front. A lamp is like a lantern. God gives light for each additional step. The word light means the dawning of a day or daylight. Think of the clarity you are able to see the path in front of you in the daylight. In that way, just like with the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire, God leads us out front with His word.
When I think about the most major decisions in my life over the past 30 years God has used His word repeatedly to lead me. He does the same with all His followers.
God leads us out front when we have make decisions or face forks in the road. God, through His word clarifies the path we are to take.
God did not take away the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire from Israel as they exited Egypt. It was a visible sign of the presence of God. A reminder that God was leading, God was out front and God had not forsaken them.
Through the scriptures we also have a visible written record to comfort and reassure us. We have testimonies like the story we are considering here to encourage us. We have numerous promises to strengthen our faith, renew our hope and inspire to keep trusting God. So, no matter what happens in 2016 God will lead out front.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
When The Lord Leads To A Dead End
My heart is heavy today for the many faith walkers around the world who followed God to a dead end. They heard a call from God. They stepped out in faith. They trusted the Lord for guidance each step of the way. They obeyed. They risked it all. When all was said and done they found themselves at a dead end.
This is exactly what happened to Moses and Israel in Exodus 13-14. They followed God manifested in the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. God did not lead them through the shortest exodus out of Egypt. Ultimately God lead them to a dead end.
Behind Moses and Israel stood the Red Sea. In front the Egyptian army barreled down toward them. On each side mountains boxed them in. They had no escape. Everywhere they looked they didd not find a neon exit sign. They were trapped. Or were they? Did they look closely enough? They looked in front and behind. They also looked on both sides. They forgot to look up. They forgot to look to the comforting presence of God manifested in the pillar of fire.
This pillar of fire came in between the Egyptians and Israelites providing a barrier for protection. God Himself made a barrier between the enemy and His people. We all know the miracle God did in Exodus 14:10-29 (NASB).
10 As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD.
11 Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?
12 "Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
13 But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.
14 "The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."
15 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.
16 "As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.
17 "As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen.
18 "Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen."
19 The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them.
20 So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night.
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided.
22 The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
23 Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea.
24 At the morning watch, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion.
25 He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians."
26 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen."
27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh's entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained.
29 But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
This is exactly what happened to Moses and Israel in Exodus 13-14. They followed God manifested in the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. God did not lead them through the shortest exodus out of Egypt. Ultimately God lead them to a dead end.
Behind Moses and Israel stood the Red Sea. In front the Egyptian army barreled down toward them. On each side mountains boxed them in. They had no escape. Everywhere they looked they didd not find a neon exit sign. They were trapped. Or were they? Did they look closely enough? They looked in front and behind. They also looked on both sides. They forgot to look up. They forgot to look to the comforting presence of God manifested in the pillar of fire.
This pillar of fire came in between the Egyptians and Israelites providing a barrier for protection. God Himself made a barrier between the enemy and His people. We all know the miracle God did in Exodus 14:10-29 (NASB).
10 As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD.
11 Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?
12 "Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
13 But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.
14 "The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."
15 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.
16 "As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.
17 "As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen.
18 "Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen."
19 The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them.
20 So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night.
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided.
22 The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
23 Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea.
24 At the morning watch, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion.
25 He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians."
26 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen."
27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh's entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained.
29 But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
What appeared to be a dead end turned out to be a doorway to a greater miracle. The Israelites lamented to Moses and longed for slavery back in Egypt rather than the dead end they were facing. What none of them could see was a wise and sovereign God had a plan and the dead end played into that plan.
How many times over the years did those Israelites, who crossed the Red Sea after being boxed in, retell that story to their children and grandchildren. God glorified Himself that day in the nation of Israel in a way they would remember for generations. To this day preachers retell that story to give hope.
That is my desire today. I know there are people reading this that are at a dead end. Some business owners are weary of trying to keep the company afloat. Business revenues are down and giving up looks like a better option than pressing ahead.
Others are pastors in dead end churches where the only thing declining faster than the attendance is the morale. They have prayed and preached their hearts out. Things only seem to get worse. How many pastors have to preach messages of faith to themselves before they preach them to the flocks. How many pastors minister without hope things will get better. How many struggle with feelings of failure. If they could only see that what looks like a dead end might just be a doorway to a greater miracle.
How many parents feel like they are at a dead end with their kids. Rebellion, sullen attitudes and disrespect have all replaced the tender hugs and loving hugs of yesteryears. If those parents could find hope as they look up to God they could press on.
There are coaches that feel like they are at a dead end and no matter what they do the program does not turn around. They log long hours. They study the latest strength and conditioning techniques. They hire the best staff. They invest in student athletes. Yet the win loss record does not change. A dead end might just be an open door to a greater miracle.
How many are disillusioned with God at this moment because they blame Him for leading into a dead end. You feel trapped, hopeless and cannot see a way out. Let me remind you brothers and sisters to not just look in front and behind you. Don't fixate on either side of you. Turn your eyes upward. Look to God who makes roadways through dead ends. Your dead end might just be a doorway to a greater miracle. Hope in that.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Wipe The Slate Clean
Lord, at the start of this brand spanking new year,
I ask You for faith that overcomes my foolish fears,
I ask you for another chance - a fresh new clean start,
At knowing, loving and serving You with all my heart,
I thank You in 2016 my slate has been washed clean,
This is another chance to pursue my long lost dreams,
A time when You look on my past mistakes and forgive,
When You redeem my days and my past I finally outlive,
There is abounding potential to be seized and to believe,
There are God ordained dreams that will soon be conceived,
There are fresh outpourings, awakenings - revival movements,
To be experienced in the church making some vast improvements,
Trials will abound as from year to year they always seem to do,
Your strength, peace, and abounding grace will still be in view,
There will be disappointments and sorrows we will have to face,
Even moments when it appears You have vanished without a trace,
You will remain faithful and true no matter what comes each day,
I start afresh this new year hanging on each and every word You say.
I ask You for faith that overcomes my foolish fears,
I ask you for another chance - a fresh new clean start,
At knowing, loving and serving You with all my heart,
I thank You in 2016 my slate has been washed clean,
This is another chance to pursue my long lost dreams,
A time when You look on my past mistakes and forgive,
When You redeem my days and my past I finally outlive,
There is abounding potential to be seized and to believe,
There are God ordained dreams that will soon be conceived,
There are fresh outpourings, awakenings - revival movements,
To be experienced in the church making some vast improvements,
Trials will abound as from year to year they always seem to do,
Your strength, peace, and abounding grace will still be in view,
There will be disappointments and sorrows we will have to face,
Even moments when it appears You have vanished without a trace,
You will remain faithful and true no matter what comes each day,
I start afresh this new year hanging on each and every word You say.
What Lies Ahead
2016 is here. We did not ring it in with fanfare around here. In fact, I went to sleep well before midnight.. I didn't watch the ball drop. I did awake around 2:00 a.m. Brenda was still up watching a movie. She asked for her kiss which I gave and then went back to sleep.
Today many people start this new year with high hopes for blessings, peace, prosperity and good things. Truth is none o fuss knows what lies ahead. We think and hope we do but there are things that are out of control. Things we could never foresee coming.
I know many people that started 2015 with high hopes but by the end of the year it proved to be the hardest year of their lives. 2015 brought sickness, disease, and multiple deaths for some families. This past year people I love suffered severely. From their anguish they cried out to God and things turned even worse instead of getting better. Their faith was tested. They endured this holiday season. They managed smiles but I know they were relieved to see the year fade into history.
We can know in 2016 God wants to reveal Himself more to His people. He will do this through daily devotions, corporate worship, Christian books and messages from pastors. It is my prayer to start the new year with a hunger for more of God. May all our appetites increase for Him. All through this year may we yearn for more of Him and crave more of Him. May we not be easily satisfied with anything less than knowing Him.
We can also know in 2016 God will draw more people for salvation. This is a fascinating thought. There will be men, women, teenagers ad children that will come to know salvation through Jesus at some point this year. It might happen at home with parents talking to their children. It might happen during a Sunday morning worship service in response to hearing the gospel message. Some will be saved at camps, revivals, retreats, and Vacation Bible Schools. Many will be saved on the mission field. Family members and friends will come to know the Lord this year as you continue to pray and witness. That is cause for rejoicing. That is a reason to hope.
Prayers will be answered in 2016. Some will be big. Some will not seem like a big deal at the time but they will still be answered prayer. God will strengthen for the battles we face this year. He will renew our minds as we fix them on Him. He will move some mountains we thought would never be moved. He will open some doors we thought would never be opened. He will provide when we need it. He will give us peace in the hardest circumstances. He will guide our steps.
He will forgive our sin and keep up His sanctifying work in us. He will call us to holy living. He will chastise us if we rebel and stray from Him. He will deal with us in grace and with tender mercies. He will not call us to do anything He will not equip us to be able to do and to endure. He will not leave us or forsake us one day for even a single moment in 2016.
I don't know about you but these truths comfort me. I do not know what lies ahead this new year. I don't know what new people I will meet. I am unaware of what encounters I will have with God this year. I cannot foresee what trials I will have to overcome. I have no way of knowing what God will call me to do this year.
What I do know is God already sees every single moment of 2016 for me, for you, for this nation and for people all over the world. He already knows what He purposes to do. He already foresees what will happen. He is well aware of each new child that will be born as well as those that will die. He knows everything and He is in control. Because of that truth we can all enter into 2016 with hope.
I have looked ahead into this new year. God is already there. He is here today and He is already there on December 31, 2016 no matter what lies ahead.
Today many people start this new year with high hopes for blessings, peace, prosperity and good things. Truth is none o fuss knows what lies ahead. We think and hope we do but there are things that are out of control. Things we could never foresee coming.
I know many people that started 2015 with high hopes but by the end of the year it proved to be the hardest year of their lives. 2015 brought sickness, disease, and multiple deaths for some families. This past year people I love suffered severely. From their anguish they cried out to God and things turned even worse instead of getting better. Their faith was tested. They endured this holiday season. They managed smiles but I know they were relieved to see the year fade into history.
We can know in 2016 God wants to reveal Himself more to His people. He will do this through daily devotions, corporate worship, Christian books and messages from pastors. It is my prayer to start the new year with a hunger for more of God. May all our appetites increase for Him. All through this year may we yearn for more of Him and crave more of Him. May we not be easily satisfied with anything less than knowing Him.
We can also know in 2016 God will draw more people for salvation. This is a fascinating thought. There will be men, women, teenagers ad children that will come to know salvation through Jesus at some point this year. It might happen at home with parents talking to their children. It might happen during a Sunday morning worship service in response to hearing the gospel message. Some will be saved at camps, revivals, retreats, and Vacation Bible Schools. Many will be saved on the mission field. Family members and friends will come to know the Lord this year as you continue to pray and witness. That is cause for rejoicing. That is a reason to hope.
Prayers will be answered in 2016. Some will be big. Some will not seem like a big deal at the time but they will still be answered prayer. God will strengthen for the battles we face this year. He will renew our minds as we fix them on Him. He will move some mountains we thought would never be moved. He will open some doors we thought would never be opened. He will provide when we need it. He will give us peace in the hardest circumstances. He will guide our steps.
He will forgive our sin and keep up His sanctifying work in us. He will call us to holy living. He will chastise us if we rebel and stray from Him. He will deal with us in grace and with tender mercies. He will not call us to do anything He will not equip us to be able to do and to endure. He will not leave us or forsake us one day for even a single moment in 2016.
I don't know about you but these truths comfort me. I do not know what lies ahead this new year. I don't know what new people I will meet. I am unaware of what encounters I will have with God this year. I cannot foresee what trials I will have to overcome. I have no way of knowing what God will call me to do this year.
What I do know is God already sees every single moment of 2016 for me, for you, for this nation and for people all over the world. He already knows what He purposes to do. He already foresees what will happen. He is well aware of each new child that will be born as well as those that will die. He knows everything and He is in control. Because of that truth we can all enter into 2016 with hope.
I have looked ahead into this new year. God is already there. He is here today and He is already there on December 31, 2016 no matter what lies ahead.
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