Pivotal Years

Exodus 40:17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.

A lot can happen in a year. Over the past few days, I have tried to sit back and reflect over the different joys, heartaches, challenges and tragedies that have filled 2007. I have tried to write some of them down, so I can go back and remember the great things that God has done. Many times, it is very easy to forget the blessings that God has given us and begin to complain when something difficult comes along. If we are in the right relationship with God, it will not matter what happens in 2008. We can be empowered by God to press on, learn lessons about life and grow closer to the One who holds eternity in His hands. As the first few days of 2008 pass, we are like Abraham who went out not knowing where He was going, yet He trusted God to provide and protect him and his family.

In the book of Exodus, I found a remarkable scripture that reminded me of what the Israelites did on the first day of the second year after being rescued from Egyptian bondage. In the previous year, God had heard their prayers and groaning by sending a deliverer to lead them out of slavery. Moses was commanded by God to go before Pharaoh and demand that His people be let go! Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and God began sending the plagues on Egypt to get the Pharaoh’s attention. It didn’t get to him until the last plague took the life of his first born son. The Israelites who were prepared to go, left Egypt with spoils, and followed the leadership of Moses. Where did it get them? They were standing before roadblock number one—the Red Sea. With the enemy closing in, God made a way where there seemed to be no way. Of course, the people of God praised Him for the great things he had done, yet a few days later, they complained about the bitter water at Marah. Then, the people were getting hungry, and God sent them manna. Later, they went to war against Amalek and God sent them victory. They spent three months travelling to Mount Sinai. While there Moses spent more than 80 nights on the mountain as he received the Law and instructions for building the tabernacle. Despite the awesome sight of God descending upon Mount Sinai with thunders, lightning and a thick cloud, the people still rebelled by making a golden calf. God was infuriated and ready to consume them, but Moses interceded on there behalf. Within the next six months, the people constructed the pieces of the tabernacle, and it was raised up on the first day of the second year.

With one year of miracles behind them, Moses was commanded by God to take a census in the book of Numbers and arrange the tribes around the central place of worship—the tabernacle. He numbered the men starting from age twenty and up who were able to go to war. With God’s presence with them, an army that was ready to march, and a promise that God was going to give them a land, it seemed that everything was going their way. However after seeing the obstacles that lied ahead, the children of Israel drowned out the two courageous spies and leadership of Moses and decided not to walk in faith and possess the land that God had promised. They forfeited God’s blessings and wasted many precious years, because they were not willing to obey the word of the Lord.

Wasted time can never be bought back. It is gone. Do you realize that 2008 may be a pivotal year for you? There will be obstacles to overcome. God does not want us to retreat but remember His faithfulness, center your life in Him, and walk by faith and not by sight. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Be courageous and faithful in 2008!

Pressing Forward in 2008

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Looking back, would you have ever imagined all of the things that have happened in the course of one year? At the end of each year, I like to take time to reflect on the major events that happened. It helps me to see the hand of God leading me through valleys and up mountains. At the beginning of the year, I preached a message entitled “Blessings from Heaven in 2007.” Certainly, we have all been blessed in many different ways. For me, God gave me a deeper understanding of life by giving me a wife and a home. He also taught me how well He comforts His children during the loss of a church member and grandparents. Every year has challenges and God’s greatest desire for us is that we may know and understand Him (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

It would be easy for us to grow stagnant and paralyzed by the events of 2007. Some people will want to live in the past and forget there is much more to learn in the present and future. Everyday is an opportunity to learn which creates vitality in a person’s life. Have you noticed that those who refuse to learn often are bitter and mad? Be careful not to be paralyzed by the fear of the future or in your present condition. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8). Remember the Psalmist’s words, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4).

With yesterday behind, we have a fresh start to make a difference in this world for the glory of God. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He was telling us that He was fully persuaded that His life was in the hands of God. He feared God above all others and was totally committed to do what He asked of him while he was on earth. The Apostle Paul was powerfully motivated by the Holy Spirit. He knew that he had been saved by God’s grace. He knew that he had a home awaiting him in heaven with the Lord for all of eternity. He knew that there was a place called Hell where every person who did not repent of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ would live eternally separated from God in torment. With heaven awaiting him, he knew that he could not waste a moment being paralyzed by the things of the world. He knew God and realized that the only hope for the lost world was the good news that Jesus came to saved people from their sins!

As 2008 approaches, where does God fit into your plans for this year? Are you confident in your salvation? Are you sure that you have peace with God in your heart? Being born again is where life begins. I hear many people say that they have been saved or born again maybe once, twice or three times, but their lives are filled with a lack of love for God and His church. You can only be saved once and the evidence is a changed life. God gives you a new heart and new start. He also promises you an eternal home with Him when this life is over (1 Peter 1:3-4). Where does this leave us? If you know that you have made peace with God and that you have an eternal home awaiting you in heaven, what are you going to do with the time that God blesses you with?

Time. Everyone thinks that they will grow old and slowly pass away. Some do and some do not. The writer of Proverbs 27:1 reminds us, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth.” Whatever amount of time that you and I have left, it should be devoted to growing closer to the One who holds tomorrow, living as Jesus would each day and helping those who are in need around us. Until our Lord Jesus Christ returns, let’s press on to make His name great in 2008!

Life as a Refrigerator

Dec 29, 2003

During the past few days, I have been in reflection over God's work in my life this year. It has been one of the most trying, yet the best year of my life thus far. What an adventure!!! I, like you, have a list of things that have happened and are happening even now. Some I would call good and others bad. However, in Romans 8:28, Paul tells us, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." This encourages me that everything this year has happen for a distinct purpose and that purpose is to conform me into the image of Jesus.
Even today, God has reminded me of His Holiness and what he wants to do with my life just as He does yours. A friend used this illustration last week, and I have found it to be so true. Think of your life as a refrigerator. The outside of it is usually covered up with magnets, pictures, and schedules, and the door is shut most of the day. If you want to be honest, we all have our days like this. We want to be shut off to the world, and let no one in. We live in an external world. We hide behind our clothes, houses, cars, and never let God come into our days. We are caught up in busyness.
Now, the most important part of the refrigerator is its power source. Is yours connected to the 220 voltage? My 2:20 is in Galatians "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." While standing outside the door, there is darkness within the refrigerator. This is when I deny God to work through me and want no part with Him. Revelation 3:20 says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Next, let's open up the door. Immediately, the light is on and everything is exposed. I John 1:5 tells us, "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." This is the part that is hard to deal with. God has reminded me that I have some spoiled milk, flat Coke, and a few leftovers that need thrown into the trash. The baking soda only works so long and it's time to forsake my habitual sins. Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Note: This is an illustration. My refrigerator is very clean. We will not go into the coldest parts of the refrigerator, because the bitterness and coldness there causes freezer burn. All this is to declare Isaiah 43:18-19 for the new year, "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." God wants us to rejoice in His love and mercy over this past year, but He wants to do a new thing in your life this next year. He wants to exceed your expectations as you take pleasure in Him. Take a moment to think how God brought the Israelites through the Red Sea, provided food and water in the wilderness, and delivered them into the Promised Land. He wants to do the same for you! The key is to be connected to His power source and let Him in. As for me, I must let Him do the throwing out, because I do not have the strength to do it on my own. He will tear down the strongholds and will bless you tremendously for your obedience. May the Light of God's Presence illuminate your soul within!

Breathe

Ezekiel 37:1-6 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

The holidays are over and the resolutions have been made for a year that is only 4 days old. The festive spirit of Christmas for many is being placed into boxes only to wait another year to get excited about this common life that we share. Often January is a month of reflection, a month of planning, and a month of returning to the normal. We have almost created an emotional valley in January that is waiting to be wooed by romance in February, set free on the plateau of Independence Day in July and culminating on a mountain top experience of the Christmas celebration in December. It is great to have these incredible reminders each year, but do our emotions and lives have to be like a roller coaster. Can we handle the quiet winter months in silence and grace?

As highly stimulated people, we love the noise and commotion of the holidays, but we can find it hard to live with ourselves when no one else is around. Can we handle living with ourselves? You may be glad that the in-laws and parents are gone back home, so you can get peace and quiet for a change. It’s easy to get lost in a crowd of people, drown yourself in empty conversation, and waste time in busyness. Much of what we do and are is empty. The spiritual, emotional and physical tank of energy runs dry, and we stop moving towards a life of greater compassion and conviction. This leads to a comparison game with other Christians and even those still lost in sin. We love to compare ourselves with others to see how spiritually advanced we might be. When in reality, the standard for all mankind is not each other, but Jesus Christ—Himself.

Now, you may be asking, “How can we be filled, overflowing and stay that way the whole year through?” It first comes with a true estimation of who we are. Have you forgotten that God meets us “just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” When Isaiah saw himself in view of God’s holiness, he exclaimed, “Woe is me! For I am undone and I dwell among a sinful people.” When John the Revelator saw Jesus in His glory, He fell down as dead, but Jesus laid his right hand upon him and said “Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:17-18) When you and I begin to walk in His presence, we, too, will see the deadened areas of our lives that have been calloused by disobedience and dulled through lack of wanting to hear brought to new life. In His presence, He is able to speak life into us!

As Ezekiel was brought to the valley of dry bones, we, likewise, must see the reality of our lives outside of the life of Christ and be willing to change. Any part of our lives that are not connected to Christ and being operated in the flesh is dead. Without Him we can do nothing! What skeletons are lurking in the closet of 2006? God wants to bring life to all areas of your life this year! Can you hear the dry bones rattling as God begins to take them from the valley’s vision and begin to put flesh on them? This portion of scripture refers to God restoration of Israel, but he also wants to bring you to a place of restoration and wholeness.

Being a born again Christian does not eliminate you from the pains and trials of life. It can be hard and difficult at times, but Jesus Christ wants to be your source of life, strength and stability. As you notice in the scriptures, when they heard the Word of God, fresh breath entered into the bones, caused them to live and to know who gave them life—The LORD! Don’t allow the time, seasons or holidays dictate the joy in your heart. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever more. I encourage you to read through the Bible this year and apply what you read. A Bible that is torn apart often belongs to someone who isn’t!