And here we go again! A new year! 2018, they are calling it. When I was a kid, there was a TV show called “Space:1999”. I don’t think I ever actually watched it, but I remember the title and what I remember about it is that in 1977, 1999 seemed like an unimaginably dis-tant future. Now, 1999 is nearly as long AGO as it was AWAY then. Life moves pretty fast …
Which is why we are called upon, in scripture, to make the most of it. In Ephesians chapter five, we read,
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Some translations say “making the most of your time” and that’s pretty good, but what’s really important is the context. Reading on, it says, 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
The word “dissipation” is a good one. It means just what you think it means; a wasting, a weakening, a loss of energy and focus. “Understand what the will of the Lord is” and eliminate from your life the things that keep you from fulfilling it. We have latched onto a vision for Living Word Family Church: Live the Gospel, Preach the Gospel.” The beginning of a new year is a great time to take stock of our lives and determine if any-thing needs to be adjusted, added, or eliminated. Usually something does.
But too often, we conduct this examination too narrowly. The question we ask is “what can I do to make my life better this year?” Maybe we can ask, this year, “what can I do to make someone else’s life better this year?” or “what can I do to make my church better this year?” When we focus on what we can contribute to others, we ALWAYS benefit. Even a simple act of giving becomes a great avenue through which God can bless you. God will be a debtor to no man, and “he who gives to the poor lends to the Lord.”
We will begin this year with a three week fast again, starting on January 7th, and ending on the 28th with a family meal. We will have a theme for the year to focus on during the fast, and talk about it during those four Sundays. I would love everyone to participate. As I always do, I remind you that if you are unable to forgo meals or a certain category of food (I usually do a Daniel-type fast) for medical reasons or something, you can “fast” television, internet, or any other legitimate pleasure. Remember, this is not about quitting bad habits; we are laying down something natu-ral in pursuit of the supernatural. Be thinking and praying and allow God to speak to you about how you will participate. This is always such a rich season of guidance and growth and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you; it’s going to be a great year!
Happy New Year, and blessings,
