Thoughts Worth Thinking

ENTERING INTO THE NEW

Though not “rare” in the conventional sense of the word, it is nonetheless “infrequent” that the first Lord’s Day of a New Year coincides with being the first day of that New Year. Obviously, the calendar of 2012 shows this blessed event and for it, we rejoice: if indeed, the Lord permits us to enter the New Year. An old adage says, “Whatever you do on the first day of the week, you do all year long.” Oh, that the statement would be true and faultless: what increased godliness we’d have is ALL GOD’S CHILDREN assembled faithfully throughout the first day of the week (Heb. 10:25; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1 – 2) and remain in His spirit on the Lord’s Day (Rev. 1:10).

Entering any New Year finds mixed emotion in the hearts of most souls. The thoughts of greater challenges seem ominous; the thoughts of successful and joyous events seem too few and far between for many of us. But the fact is, if God wills a continuation of life, we will face each day one at a time, as we’ve done every day within our past and at this present! We should rejoice in that life comes no more than one day at a time (Matt. 6:34) and that we are permitted to live each day unto the Lord (Rom 14:8). It’s how we USE the time permitted us that will either profit our souls, or present us before God as “time wasters” (Eccl. 10:18).

If we would at least apply some of the wisdom of the old adage mentioned, we would note the increase of our lives in service to our God. No, we are not bound to “old wives fables” (1 Tim. 4:7) but we ARE to give ourselves to godliness (ibid.) What greater GODLINESS exists than FAITHFULLY SERVIING HIM in all we say and do? (Col. 3:17) And what better way to start the New Year, and each day of this New Year than in praise, thanksgiving, study and communion of our Lord?

There’s another unique event within this year, the Lord willing. This is “Leap Year” – the “fourth” year in which to somehow equal out the calendar and days and time (too complicated for me) February has 29 days instead of 28. Guess upon what day of the week that “29^th” day falls? That’s right – WEDNESDAY. Additionally, that Wednesday is the first “fifth” Wednesday of the year; that is, the first time five Wednesday’s come in a month. Our custom is to use that Wednesday night for singing. If we BEGIN the year with praising God, then by that ninth week of this New Year, our hearts should be filled with praise and honor, ready to give it all to our Lord in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Oh, what a joyful year 2012 can be if we begin it so and continue its godliness each and every day!

There is no fear within this coming year IF we walk it daily with our Lord (Ps. 23; 1 John 4:18). Granted, the “unknown” seems foreboding, and we tend to “fret” about the “what if’s” instead of dealing with the “what is” of life. Those are the times when we need to stop walking and stand still; listen to God’s Word and learn His guidance for our lives (ex. Ex. 14:13; Job 37:14). If STONG in the faith, we will realize the faithfulness of God toward us (Heb. 13:5 – 6). Of course, if our faithfulness to Him is NOT as strong as it needs to be, then we SHOULD be afraid – MIGHTY afraid! (Jn. 15:5).

Yes, if the Lord wills, 2012 permits a “new beginning” in many realms of life. Why not include a “new beginning” for your soul’s loyalty and faithful service to God? So many of you readers are sincere souls, and know the truth of God’s Word regarding salvation. However, you have not yet obeyed that gospel (Rom. 6). Others are just as sincere in your READING, but you have not yet acknowledged your need to be restored to the shepherd and bishop of your soul (1 Pet. 2:25). Why? Can’t you see that life WITH God is so much better than life WITHOUT Him? (2 Pet. 2: 1- 10; 2 Thess. 1: 7 – 9)

So, as we enter 2012, our wish to you is that God bless you with His greatest of blessings … but more, that WE ALL will so love, obey and worship Him as to gain from Him, His eternal pleasure with our lives! May we TRULY accept the responsibility of Matthew 6:33 and Colossians 1:18. May we see the responsibility of COMPLETENESS listed in 2 Peter 1: 1- 11, and the urgency of DILIGENCE as we note in that passage and in Hebrew 11:6. May we never falter in our increase of faith, and our growth in His grace and knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18). Let us seek to be the STRONGEST and BEST-SUITED Christians we have ever been, and PROVE it by our commitment to Him!

No, this isn’t a “resolution,” but instead a reminder to all readers: THESE ARE THE ATTRITUBUTES GOD EXPECTS OF US, HIS CHILDREN. We wouldn’t desire disappointing our earthy parents, or disgracing them with lack of honor, love and care. Why would we even “entertain” the notion of doing less for our Heavenly Father? Enter the year with FAITHFULLNESS!

Mike’s Musings …

“What Are You Preaching On, Preacher?”

In my usual flippant frivolity, I answer, “On the pulpit where I usually preach.” Yes, I know what they mean when asking the question, but having some fun with such questions returns a smile for both of us! Preachers without a “sense of humor” need to read more of their Bible. Solomon said, “There is a time to laugh” and we need that time!

Seriously, we preachers usually have little problems with finding subjects to preacher: our difficulty is usually condensing the enormous study devoted to the subject into a few minutes of meaningful dialogue for the souls who listen. We realize clearly our responsibility of teaching the truth and letting the truth effectively penetrate the hearts of hearers (James 4:1; Heb. 4:12-13; Col. 4:6; et al). While it is the elders responsibility to feed the flock of God (Acts 20:28), we also realize the “presentation” of that spiritual food is frequently within our hands. We must “check our emotions at the door” at times, and with the appearance of calmness and directness, present the truth without prejudice and insist upon giving milk to the babes, and meat to those of full age (Heb. 5: 12 – 14).

We must also preach so as be taught! One older mentor taught me, “Preach to yourself first. If it doesn’t do you any good, then why should it help those you’re teaching?” Paul offered similar advice (1 Cor. 9:27). “Stirring the hearts” is the way some men used to pray when asking God’s blessings on the preacher. “Let the lesson stir our hearts and bring us good,” they said. Peter would agree: 2 Pet. 3:1.

Preaching is more than a “profession” for us preachers – it is our life! It isn’t always a “livelihood” but it MUST be our life! (Phil. 1:21; 1 Cor. 9:16) We care about every soul within the sound of our voice. We muse on the effect of every sermon: positive and negative! We ponder the “whys” of responses as well as the “why nots,” and pray God is doing more for the souls of our audiences than we are doing. We’re just the messengers: it is the MESSAGE we pray will penetrate the many hearts who hear!

“Preacher, what are you preaching on?” is a valid question. Without the frivolity with which I usually answer, I’ll say this: “Upon the Rock of our salvation. It’s sure and steadfast, and I pray you listen!”