Craig’s Corner
“So it’s Two Thousand and Fourteen”
There’s just something about a New Year to give one Hope. Perhaps the previous year is one they would just as soon forget. Or many of their goals went unmet due to the more pressing things that they faced throughout the year. So we wait for the ball to drop in New York. We witness the hugs and kisses. Pronouncements are made of what we “will” accomplish in this new year. A sigh of relief by others as they made it out of the old year only by a thread!
But, my parents taught me that even if you go to bed on New Years Eve at a healthy hour … just like any other day … the New Year arrives anyways! Our staying up doesn’t necessarily account for much. As a matter of fact the loss of sleep probably doesn’t put us on the right foot to start this new year.
That all said … Happy New Year! But don’t wait till the end of this year to try to hit the “reset” on your lifestyle. One of the beautiful things about the Lord’s people is that we have the chance every time “2 or more” of us gather to encourage and be encouraged by each other. Effectively, it’s like a restart … a redo … a Mulligan. Don’t take me wrong, God isn’t obligated to only exercise His Grace and Mercy on Sunday’s and Wednesdays. He remains constantly aware of our needs and like the Prodigal son’s father … diligently waiting for us to turn back to Him … any time!
But, what a wonderful resource God has given us in the Church that He can wrap us up in His loving arms … by wrapping us up in each other’s arms. The tears He would be shedding for us … fall from the eyes of His people. The embrace He would be giving us … is administered by our church family. The prayers of Hope and Encouragement He is pouring out for us also come from His the lips of faithful children.
It’s unlikely you currently have a script of 2014. You should have some goals … especially Spiritual goals (ie. Read your Bible Through in a year, participate more in our assemblies, Get more involved than you ever have been before in church activities, and perhaps you need to start off with the pledge to attend all the services offered in 2014). But when you fail … don’t cave in … just use the reset God has provided for us and not just the next “New Year” version.
We are on the brink of God doing amazing things here at Lumberton. Let’s encourage each other and make this a banner year for our God! Don’t forget to Speak Life!!
Your fellow “Mulligan”er
Craig