January 2006

12.29.2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

I trust you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. (We can say Merry Christmas in our newsletter!) By the way, aren’t you a bit tired of the attempts to move our nation away from its Christian roots? I suppose this move toward secularization and away from Christianity shouldn’t surprise us.

You see “pagans” do not like to be reminded there is a God. The reason for that is if there is a God then the pagan does not have the final say, God does! Therefore he doesn’t like to be reminded there is a God. The pagan would rather live in his fantasy land and make believe there is no God.

But I digress! What I intended to write about (and from this point on I will write about what I intended to write about) is the land of new beginnings.

It’s a brand new year, 2006! This New Year will be full! I’m not sure what it will be full of, but it will be full. You will have lots of joys and surprises and there will be some heartache and sorrows along the way, too.

Wait a minute, Jim! Aren’t you supposed to challenge us (after all this newsletter is called “The Challenger”) about the great opportunities the New Year brings?

Oh, I could do that and you would be motivated for about 2 days! I would rather deal with the reality of what life will be like in 2006 and prepare you for that.

As I gazed into my “crystal ball” I saw what will take place in 2006! If you want to know the details, remember I can be bought. Ha! Truth is, no one knows what will take place in 2006. They really don’t! But, if 2006 is like 2005, there will be many unexpected events, both good and not so good!

So, I urge you to prepare for those events. I would suggest you begin to set aside food and water (I’m kidding!)

Here is what I would suggest you do as real, practical preparation to face whatever 2006 holds. You better get to know Jesus better and better and walk with Him.

Jesus is with us Christians by the Holy Spirit. We will have to lean heavily on Him in 2006. Christian, you are not alone. You do not have to handle life alone. He is with you to help you. Learn to trust Him and lean on Him.

Christian, Jesus and Jesus alone is the One who will help you face whatever you will face in 2006.

Remember, Jesus said in John 14 that He would go away and the “Comforter” would come. The word “Comforter” in the Greek means one called alongside. The Holy Spirit is that one called alongside Christians to guide, support, comfort and lead us in life. He is the One who will help us through 2006, whatever it holds for us. So, make it a priority to learn about Jesus and how to lean on Him. That will prepare you for whatever 2006 holds.


See you on the Lord’s Day,

Jim

Posted by arbc at 06:40 PM