HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2021 H –HOLD FAST TO YOUR CONFESSION, JESUS OUR HOPE Hebrews 4:14; 10:23. A --ASSEMBLE TO WORSHIP GOD John 4:23, 24: Hebrews 10:24, 25. P --PRAY OFTEN I Thessalonians 5:17: Ephesians 6:18. P --PREPARE, PROMISED, AND PURPOSED GIFT. II Corinthians 9:5-7. Y--YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATIONS. Matthew 6:13 _______ N--NEGLECT NOT YOUR TALENTS. Matthew 25:14-30: I Timothy 4:14: James 4:17. E --EVERYONE DESERVES TO HEAR OF CHRIST. Mark 16:15: I Timothy 3:14, 15. W --WORKMANSHIP OF GOD. Ephesians 2:10: Titus 3:1. _______ Y --YIELD YOURSELVES AS SERVANTS OF CHRIST. Romans 6:16-17. E --EXHORT ONE ANOTHER. Hebrews 3:12, 13. A --ASSURANCE OF GOD’S GRACE. Ephesians 2:5, 8. R --READ THE BIBLE DAILY. II Timothy 2:15; I Timothy 4:13

"YOU HAVE NOT PASSED THIS WAY BEFORE"

The great leader, Moses, had died and the Lord God had chosen the faithful warrior, Joshua, to be the leader of the children of Israel. They were encamped on the east side of the River of Jordan and the time had come for them to cross over the River of Jordan and into the land of ‘milk and honey’, the land of Canaan. God had assured Joshua several times that He would be with him as he was about to enter the promised land (Joshua 1:6-9). In Joshua 3, the priests, carrying the ark of the covenant, were to lead the people across the River of Jordan and into the land that God had promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3). Joshua, in charging the people to follow the priest at a certain distance, said this to the people, “FOR YOU HAVE NOT PASSED THIS WAY BEFORE” (Emphasis, RE). The children of Israel were about to enter a land they did not know. As we enter this new year of 2021, it could also be said of us, “For you have not passed this way before.” We do not know what this new year will bring. It might be weal or woe, sadness or happiness, life or death, success or failure, etc. For the child of God, we should read what God said to Joshua and to know that basically He tells us the same: “Be strong and of good courage”, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:6, 9). In Hebrews 13:5, we read, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Because we are children of God, this is the blessed assurance we have in our Lord. Here are some suggestions that will strengthen you as you enter the uncharted course in this new year of 2017: Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5, 6). Love God with all your heart, soul and mind (Mark 12:30). Love your brethren and your neighbors (John 13:34, 35; Mark 12:30). Do good to all men and especially your brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:10). Attend the assemblies of the church to worship God and to exhort/edify/build up one another in the most holy faith (John 4:23, 24;Hebrews 10:24, 25). Be steadfast in prayer (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Increase your knowledge of the Word of God by reading and studying it daily (Psalm 1:1-3;119:97; Matthew 4:4). I close this article with the words of the apostle Peter as found in 2 Peter 1:10, 11 “Therefore, brethren, be more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

THANKSGIVING

To me, the national holiday of Thanksgiving is my favorite. While we are to be thankful each day for the bountiful blessings that flow from the hand of our gracious God, this day is set aside as a time for the entire nation to express its gratitude and to enjoy the fellowship with friends and loved ones. David wrote long ago, “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 95:2). “Enter into his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 100:4). “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalms 69:30). The apostle Paul said “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you ward” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Again, Paul wrote, “In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). I have many reasons to be thankful. God has washed my sins away by the blood of my Savior. I am able to devote my time to the study and preaching of his Word. I am associated with the best people in the world – Christians. The Almighty has blessed me with health, good parents, a wonderful wife and family, food, shelter and raiment. The providence of God has been prevalent in my life as I look retrospectively over the years. I am grateful for the God-fearing men and women who have influenced me in the field of Christian education. I am also thankful for those preachers who lived before me in this particular area who pioneered the way with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And, for all the brothers and sisters in Christ who have been so faithful, suffering hardships, overcoming obstacles in their efforts to build up the various congregations. I am thankful for the memories of departed saints for their good influence on my life. I am among all men most wonderfully blessed. Therefore, it is with deep feelings that I sing: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”

"COME BEFORE WINTER"

The apostle Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote the letter of second Timothy to his “son in the faith”, Timothy. This is the last recorded letter Paul ever wrote. In the 4th chapter, verses 9 and 21, there are two statements made by Paul that greatly encouraged the younger evangelist to make every effort possible to come see him before it was too late. Paul wrote, “be diligent to come to me quickly” (V 9); “Do your utmost to come before winter…” (12). There are two reasons implied in these statements for Timothy to make every effort to come to him as soon as possible. One is that winter would not be the time to travel by boat. The wintry storms made it very dangerous to travel on the seas. Paul had experienced shipwreck during that season of the year as recorded in Acts 27. No doubt, the most important reason for Timothy to make haste to come to him as quickly as possible is found in the words of Paul in verses 6-8: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.” Should Timothy tarry too long, it would be too late to see Paul alive for his “departure” was at hand, that his death was imminent. In life, there are words we need to express and actions we should take before it is too late, that is, we should do them before “winter” comes. Husbands and wives should express daily their love for one another. There is always the possibility of a heart attack, a stroke or an accident that could take the life of your mate. The last words spoken to your husband/wife could be, “I love you”. Parents need to express their love to their children, regardless of their age. They need to know you care for them, not only by the physical and material you give them, but, a hug and ‘I love you’ will give assurance to them that you really do love them; and, that you desire they live for Jesus Christ so the family can be together with God in eternity. Children need to express their love and appreciation to their parents as well. They should respect and honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1, 2). Aged parents, especially, desire to hear from their adult children who live long distances from them. Siblings should stay in contact with one another. Efforts should be made to be together when possible. It is very difficult to give up a brother or sister to death. Wishing that you had expressed your love and care for one another after death has separated you from a loved one is of no avail. That is why you need to do it before “winter” comes, otherwise it will be too late. Also, brothers and sisters in Christ should express their love to one another. We are “children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). We are to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 14:12). We are the family of God. Those who have not given their lives to Christ and who have not obeyed the gospel (Romans 1:16; Acts 2:36-38) should no longer tarry because “winter” (death) might overtake them (Hebrews 9:27), and they would pass into eternity without God. “Winter” (death) is coming to us all. Now is the time for us to express our heartfelt feelings to our loved ones; and, to do what we can to help others while we have the time and opportunity (John 9:4, Galatians 6:10). The clock of life is wound but once And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early hour. Now is the only time you own Live, love toil with a will Place no faith in tomorrow For the hands may then be still. Kenneth L. Fielder