2014 is here. And, most of the folks in my circle of friends, associates, and community are expecting, or at least, hoping -- for a better year than 2013 proved to be. And I concur!
2013 was yet another year of transition for our little crew. We entered into worship and music ministry with Ingalls Avenue Baptist Church to our great delight; we tackled crucial personal and business financial decisions; we became even more familiar with the weekly tasks of care-giving for aging parents; we began the 'journey' into middle school and high school band parent/booster club activities with our 8th grade percussionist Cameron; we are preparing Christian's college graduation from University of Southern Mississippi this coming May; and, we desperately seek for every opportunity we can muster to make the I-65 ride north to visit family and friends in north Alabama and Tennessee. (( whew!! ))
As we chime in the new year, I have several thoughts stirring in this crazy ADHD brain of mine. Bear with me if you will. Here we go:
HOPE ...
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. - Psalm 33:21-22 (NIV)
One my all-time favorite songs was a hit for Alicia Williamson and TRUTH, the super-vocal group of Christian music: There Is A Hope
Hope does not depend on only what is seen ... Hope is found believing in His Name. I love that line!!
It is my firm conviction that if we ever lose HOPE for better days, especially when we've endured great hardship, then we give way to the enemy of our souls, and our days here on earth are drawing to a close much faster than we had wished for. Keep HOPE alive in your life this year!
JOY ...
However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” - Luke 10:20-22 (NIV)
I've heard that little cliche statement all my life in my little PK (preacher's kid) world, " ... the Joy of the Lord is our strength ...". And it's true! I cannot tell you how many times over the past few years we have found ourselves in the midst of great turmoil, grief, loss, hopelessness, and human despair. When all of a sudden, as we reminded ourselves -- through the power of the Holy Spirit within -- that our JOY was not based on the circumstances we found ourselves in; but rather our JOY is based in the Truths of the Word of God which come alive in our spirits when we dwell on those Truths, speak those Truths to one another, and live by those Truths by the power of His Holy Spirit!
Here's a fun Gospel clip from my friends Karen Peck & New River with Joy Gardner and the Gaithers ... JOY In My Heart!
LOVE ...
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. - 1 John 4:11 (ESV)
This year I turned 50. A friend and accountability partner recently reminded me that I've reached that point in life referred to by one author as "Halftime". I'll take that!
The longer I live on this old earth, the more I am overwhelmed by God's love. " ... For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son ..." - John 3:16 (ESV)
Wow. If God can love me like I am -- certainly I can find a way to love others, if even for the mere fact that they too are God's creation.
Songs, poems, creeds, chronicles of history, and of course Holy Scriptures have been produced out of the context and human experience of God's love, brotherly love, romantic love, and compassionate love.
Yep ... another tune! A few years ago I hosted an afternoon "drive time" radio show in Mobile AL. I had a great opportunity to "spin" the top Christian tunes of that season as I shared devotional thoughts, interviews with guest artists and local personalities. One of my fav's was this catchy hit from Jadon Lavik ... enjoy Wondrous Love
SO ... I hope that you experience great joy and give away lots of love this year! Let's all do our part to make it a #Blessed2014
Robby
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