Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
Dickens’ famous Christmas Carol used lessons about the past, present and potential future to motivate a changed life. As this year quickly ends we can all choose how to view the past, how to make the most of the present, and whether we will seek to honor Jesus in the future.
Every life has joy and sorrow, gain and loss. We choose which things we will focus on. Worry cannot add a single hour to our life (Mt 6:27). We can choose to live confidently, resting in God’s promises regardless of what comes in the future.
I have never met anyone who expressed regret for having obeyed Jesus. I have heard from hundreds of their deep regret that they did not obey sooner.
Christmas reminds us beautifully that God, who rules over all, loves us more powerfully than we can imagine. If we really believe the miraculous story of His Gift to us, let’s celebrate the present and surrender to obedience in the future. That will guarantee a Happy New Year!
Pastor Jim Wood
Founder & Executive Director
