The Advent Of Each New Year Offers Opportunities And Challenges: 2010
Posted: Saturday, November 21, 2009
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
Those of you who follow my articles a lot, know that I am not an advocate of many holidays, especially religious ones. I have my reasons for that, but there are days which I observe and appreciate. Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Day, Memorial Day, and New Years Day are about all that I have any use for.
But New Years day is one which offers everyone a time to reflect on the events of the previous year, to contemplate and consider which, if any, of those things were of true value for oneself.
Well we did both survive until the new century and as it approached, came the Y2K bug scare. There were many who were anxious because of computers whose systems included much underwater portions where they could not be accessed to reprogram and adjust for the change to 2000. Fortunately, they were able to prepare enough that very little happened out of the ordinary.
Christians should never wait until a New Year to assess their lives as to whether or not we are walking in the footsteps of Jesus, who gave His life for us. However, it is a good time to contemplate just how well we did, during the past year, in our efforts to walk in His steps. And if we are honest, we'll recall several occasions when we probably failed Him terribly. There are so many things which we should have done, but probably did not. Most of our sins are probably those of omission rather than commission.
Did we diligently study His word daily, and contemplate on those things we read? We ought to have a heavy schedule of that. It is imperative. How can one possibly think he is obeying God, when he doesn't have a clue as to what God has said? You can't. Now you cannot say that you didn't know you must read the bible. I just told you, and explained why. Many have told me they were bored when they read the bible. I can understand that. I can understand it because I once found myself being bored as I read portions of it. But if that is true of you, put forth the effort anyway, and as you learn more, you will develop a much stronger interest in it and become eager to study it. I do. I honestly find it difficult to do many of the other things which I do, that makes me miss some of my reading time. I relish the time I am reading the bible or some of the commentaries of scholars of it. I am very fortunate in that I have several hours of the day in which I can devote to it.
The old saying is that resolutions are only made to be broken. If we fel that way and know ahead of time that we will not continue in a a good thing which we resolve to do, we need an attitude adjustment. I don't mean a Malaysian caning, but simply to instill within ourselves, the determination to make good resolutions and continue in them.
Let's determine to build a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ and not just in thought, but in our lives. This is a central item to direct us.
Let us also commit ourselves to His church, the regular worship and fellowship with others of like precious faith. You will be edified and they will be edified. Your presence in the services of the church is vital, to you and to others. If you've ever been accustomed to attending all services of a sizable congregation where all are congenial and working together in unity and peace, you will be amazed at the difference you feel when many are absent. Our own congregation, once per year, will experience such when virtually all of our youth will attend a Christian Camp for a week and many of the adults will go with them for their worship services on Sunday. At times I have seen it down to 15 or 20 people in these cases. It is discouraging, sad, in a way. I come away feeling down.
And let us resolve to help further the gospel of Christ, not only in our city, neighborhood, or county, but the entire world. Unfortunately, it seems that the residents of this nation are the least responsive to the gospel message of almost any, especially the so-called "developing nations". I have taught bible classes, written articles for newspapers, for the internet, furnished people free bible courses, and more, for the past many years, and I can only say that I know of six who were converted to Christ by my efforts. But, I have been involved in helping support and find support, for two young native preachers in Kenya, one in Curacao, an one group in Guyana, S.A. for the past few years and through this effort I have been a part of several hundred conversions. I know, it wasn't me who did it, but it gives one a wonderful feeling to think they have assisted, even in a small way, for such fruitful works.
And last, but certainly not least, let us pray to God fervently and without ceasing. Above all, give Him thanks for all we have and all we will have. Thank Him for His Son who was willing to give His life for us. Thank Him for the food that you sit down to consume. He has given it to you. There are plenty of people who are just as good as we are, who have inadequate food. I know of places where corn and beans are a steady diet and they feel blessed to have them. May God forgive us who sit down to plentiful delicious food and refuse to help His much less fortunate children. May we all have a happy, prosperous 2010, and be generous in our efforts to help those in need.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Thank you for the thoughts.Thank you for reading, Jim.
Hey Joel, ask a Catholic about Advent. Well not many know it is the celebration as well of the second coming of Christ. It seems to have been lost in this modern era. Best Wishes, RobertHi Robert, yes I am familiar with both usages. But, the word simply means "the arrival" or "the appearance of", etc. and can be used concerning anything starting up. It is good to hear from you again.
Good piece to help us focus more on what will really matter 100 years from now! Keep challenging us, please. And drawing us back to focus.Marijo
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