Looking forward with confidence
Our pastor preached a wonderful New Year's Day message yesterday. He didn't want us to lightly enter into 2006 without first reviewing our past.
He quoted Isaiah 46:3-4: "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs [I especially liked this description...] I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
We serve the Almighty God. The One who created us. And Who promises to sustain us and carry us into the future. Pastor Ivan encouraged us to be like Isaiah -- to begin our review of last year focusing on God's character:
Isaiah 63:7-9: "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us -- yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, 'Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me'; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of the old."
Remembering the faithfulness of our Savior in the past gives us the courage to move forward with confidence. Our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He was with us in the good times and He was with us in the rough times. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Isaiah 40:28-31: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Who could ask for anything more? The Lord who does not tire promises to be with us through this next year, even renewing our strength as we hope in Him.
We are looking forward with confidence to an amazing year in service to the King.
love you!
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