Sain Publications
Pause and consider – it seems a brief time has passed since we were concerned about Y2K (2000), the tragic occurrence of 9/11 (2001), Apple launched the first IPod (2001), Columbia space shuttle explodes (2003), Katrina (2005), Osama bin Laden killed (2011) and similar events. None would dispute that time marches on!
Can You Believe It? 2016 Is Almost Here!
What Will We Do With A New Year? Dare we just continue as we have been through the years? Or, dare we accept the challenge of striving to make 2016 the best year yet? Please consider the following possibilities and challenges in our lives.
Less Worldly – More Spiritual. As the beautiful hymn suggests, “This world is not my home, I am just passing through.” Our existence in this world is brief and temporary (James 4:14). Jesus encourages us to lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). The apostle Paul says to set your affections on things above (Col. 3:1-4).
Less Worry – More Trust. Paul told Timothy, “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe” (1 Tim. 4:10). I was told recently that in the Bible there are at least 365 admonitions to trust, believe and not be afraid (at least one for each day of the year). Be careful (anxious) for nothing, but ask God for your needs (Phil. 4:6).
Less Of Self – More Of Others. Prefer others (Rom. 12:10). Love others (John 13:34-35). Edify others (1 Thess. 5:11). Forbear and forgive others (Col. 3:13). Admonish others (Rom 15:14). Provoke others to good works (Heb. 10:24). Comfort others (1 Thess. 4:18). Bear others burdens (Gal. 6:2). Receive others (Rom. 14:1). Pray for others (James 5:16). Do we hear the message – less of self and more of others!
Less Of Me – More Of My Saviour. It is NOT about me, or you dear friend. It is ONLY about our Lord and Master. If we have not already done so, let us remove ourselves from the throne of our life and let the Master rule, oversee, guide and mold our lives. In 2016 let us resolve to make each day more about our Saviour!
A Final Thought. What a blessing to have each day of existence here on earth! God is SO good. All spiritual blessings are from Him (Eph. 1:3). Let us be glad, rejoice and give Him praise and honor.
May we have the courage, strength, and resolve to make 2016 the best possible – for the Master.
