The year 2008 is now unfolding before us! What events will take place? We seem to be able to handle “good” when it occurs but what if calamity strikes? Will these events place fear in our hearts? Will they cause our faith to be exercised? Will we rely on ourselves and follow our “culture” or will our hearts be drawn to Christ and His kingdom? We do not have complete control of our circumstances but we can determine to make “right” choices each day.
I am feeling a little pensive as I think of this coming year. I just read that 2008 marks Israel’s 60th anniversary of the rebirth of their nation. What a year of rejoicing that will be for them, and yet they live each day facing the reality that other nations and terrorist groups desire their demise. I wonder how closely their aspirations in 1948 resemble today’s realities?
I think of my parents, pregnant with me that year, looking forward to my birth. They had survived the depression and finally hope was alive with steady employment and new life developing. Yet, there were no guarantees for them. Ten years earlier, their first child died only 6 weeks after birth.
I think of the Christian church at large in 1948 and now. Styles of worship have changed. Music has changed. We still continue to grow and the gospel is still being taken to the ends of the earth. We Christians, in the US, have tremendous opportunities to serve, to give financially, and to congregate freely without fear from the authorities. But, everyday our brethren are tortured and killed for their faith in Christ in countries hostile to the Gospel. Do we suffer with those who suffer; would we be ready to face hardship because of our faith in Christ?
Nothing in life is certain for us. What I desire may never come to fruition. But, that’s OK with me. I am learning that Christ, who is my life, is planning my path and He knows what is best for me. Soon, He will have given me 60 years to know Him better in preparation for eternity. He has given me precious promises to anchor me everyday to His steadfastness. He has given me a wonderful husband and family and brothers and sisters in Christ who have been by our side for many, many years. How could I even begin to express my gratitude for those who have prayed with and for us for so many years? I am truly blessed and I would not trade the path I’ve walked for any other.
I have regrets, some; made wrong choices, many; a sin nature, without a doubt. Nevertheless, each day I endeavor to forget what is past and keep straining for what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 13:13-14)
This year my prayer for each one of you, dear ones, is that you would rather have Jesus than what this world has to offer. It is the only sure hope we have today. I am quoting for you the words to a wonderful hymn that speaks truth to our hearts.
"The words to this beautiful song came from a poem written in 1922 by Rhea F. Miller. George Beverly Shea wrote the music. According to the late evangelist Jack Wyrtzen, George’s mother had placed the poem on the family piano so George would see it when he returned home after receiving a lucrative singing offer in the secular world. After reading the poem, he chose to serve the Lord and wrote the music to this famous and beautiful hymn. Bev Shea will be 99 in February. And as of this writing, he is still singing." 1
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.
1. Thomas C. Simcox, Making Melody in Your Heart (Isreal My Glory Jan/Feb 2008), 25
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.