Sunday, December 31, 2006

Happy New Year

Can you believe it? 2006 is gone. Here comes 2007. It is incredible to look back and see what has taken place in the past year. All of us can do that in our own lives and marvel at the things that have occurred in a year's time. We discuss how "it doesn't seem like it's been 8 months ago that happened" or "has it been a year already?" But nonetheless, the year is gone and we stand at the threshold of a new one. So, what will we marvel at one year from now? When 2007 is gone, what events will stand out that will be the topic of discussion? Will you be able to say that the Lord found you faithful, or will you be in the same place in your relationship with Him that you are today?

The book of Luke talks about a man named Simeon who asked the Lord to bless him by allowing him to see God's salvation before he died. God granted that request by sending Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, to the temple on the day that Mary and Joseph brought the Christ child. So, why did God grant this request. Well, for several reasons. But one that stands out to me is that God found Simeon devout and righteous. This is a lesson we studied in Sunday School, and the truths that ring out through it are profound. If God were to write about me, would He describe me in that way? What words would He use to tell others about who I am? These questions are full of conviction, and cast instant humility into anyone who dares to be the recipient of such ponders. So, at the end of this year, my aim and my prize will be to have God say that He found me faithful, and as a devout and righteous man. I couldn't ask for more than that. How will He describe you?

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