Glancing Back and Looking Forward (12/30/21)
“Forgetting what is behind and pressing on to the high calling and the prize for which God has called us…” Philippians 3:14 These words from the Apostle Paul remind us to look ahead and press on. 2021 was a rough year for many reasons. We were still trying to find our way through the pandemic fog. We have also seen much corruption and failure of the government and media. There has been increasing crime and chaos. We continued to see the attempt of the secular world to replace faith, which is in itself the fulfillment of Bible prophecies.
But looking forward we can see through the eyes of faith a year of opportunities. The opportunities for individuals to find salvation. The opportunity for a comeback from COVID. The opportunity for a return to traditional biblical values. The opportunity for personal spiritual growth from reading God’s word and for prayer. But you must take a step of faith. Start a Bible plan. Second, attend a monthly prayer gathering on the third Saturday of the month at 9:30 in our chapel. Third, build your house on the rock that is Jesus. In this we have eternal hope!
One of my favorite hymns says:
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
Jesus, thank you that you are our solid rock. All other ground is sinking sand. Thank you for bringing us through the ups and downs of 2021. Thank you for blessings despite the problems and challenges.
We pray for good things to come in 2022. We pray for our own spiritual growth. Help us experience the joy of fellowship with fellow believers in person. Help us to take steps of faith in our personal spiritual growth. Help us through the ups and downs and surprises that await us in 2022.
May your kingdom come and your will be done. Only you can deliver us from evil, plagues and illness. We rejoice that our hope is in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.