VIDEO A Remembrance Of Death

What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?” — Psalm 89:48

Tonight we say goodbye to the old year and usher in the new. It’s a special time of reflection and tradition, and perhaps tonight you’ll engage in your own celebration as this year passes into the next. Perhaps you’ll look back on favorite memories of the past year and anticipate some new adventures in the year to come.

But many will spend their New Year’s Eve getting drunk. Have you ever wondered why so many people feel the need to do that? Think about it. Is it just a tradition? Or is it something more?

Perhaps the Romans of old knew. They had a phrase for it: momento mori, a “remembrance of death.” The old year is frequently pictured in art as a doddering old man staggering his way into oblivion.

If you think about it, the picture is quite fitting. The Bible tells us that Satan has held the whole world in bondage through the fear of death. With that truth in mind, I can realize why the unregenerate, who have never been delivered from that fear, who do not have the blessed assurance of eternal life, feel the need to get drunk. If another year’s passing brings them that much closer to death, it’s no wonder they want to obliterate that reality with alcohol. It is really ironic, for the whole world prides itself on its realism and chides Christians for believing in “fairy tales.” Some realists! These people can’t face the greatest reality that every human being must inevitably face: the fact of death.

But that doesn’t stop some people from trying. If we go back to 300 B.C., we find the hedonist philosopher, Epicurus, who said that death doesn’t concern us, for as long as we exist, death is not here, and when death comes, we no longer exist. But that isn’t so. We cannot remove death through philosophy, science, or medicine.

It is only in Christ that our mortality ceases to be frightening. For only in Him do we know what awaits us after death or, more accurately, Who awaits us after death. Christians can echo the apostle Paul: “To live is Christ; to die is gain.”

Tonight, as you say goodbye to an old year and usher in a new one, rejoice that you’re one year closer to meeting our Father in Heaven. Death’s door holds no fear for you; you’re on your way to eternal life united with Christ. Now that’s something to celebrate.

““Not what we call death, but what [is] beyond death is … [what] … we fear.””

—T. S. Eliot

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Psalm 89 • When hardship doesn’t make sense

The Righteous City

May he produce in you . . . every good thing that is pleasing to him. Hebrews 13:21 NLT

On New Year’s Eve 2000, officials in Detroit carefully opened a hundred-year-old time capsule. Nestled inside the copper box were hopeful predictions from some city leaders who expressed visions of prosperity. The mayor’s message, however, offered a different approach. He wrote, “May we be permitted to express one hope superior to all others . . . [that] you may realize as a nation, people, and city, you have grown in righteousness, for it is this that exalts a nation.”

More than success, happiness, or peace, the mayor wished that future citizens would grow in what it means to be truly just and upright. Perhaps he took his cue from Jesus, who blessed those who long for His righteousness (Matthew 5:6). But it’s easy to get discouraged when we consider God’s perfect standard.

Praise God that we don’t have to rely on our own effort to grow. The author of Hebrews said it this way: “May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20–21). We who are in Christ are made holy by His blood the moment we believe in Him (v. 12), but He actively grows the fruit of righteousness in our hearts throughout a lifetime. We’ll often stumble on the journey, yet still we look forward to “the city that is to come” where God’s righteousness will reign (v. 14).

By:  Karen Pimpo

Reflect & Pray

For what Christlike attributes would you like to be known? How can you encourage others to seek God’s righteousness?

Dear God, please work in me what’s pleasing to You.

Mustard Seed Faith Moves Mountains

Every step taken with trust in God has tremendous potential for impact in His kingdom Matthew 17:14-21

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells the disciples, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

All of us should be encouraged by these words. Do you hear the power in them? Remember, a tiny seed of faith can unleash extraordinary possibilities. What matters is not the size of our faith but the object of it—namely, the One who created heaven and earth and holds all things in His hands. In the presence of our omnipotent God, no obstacle is insurmountable and no challenge too great.

When towering adversity confronts us, there might be a temptation to doubt and fret. But at such times we can choose to trust in God’s sovereignty. It helps to find scriptures like Jeremiah 32:17 and to lean into those truths. We can also ask the Lord to give us grace and make faith arise within us.

Keep in mind that God is always on our side, and that means we have no reason to fear (Ps. 118:6 ESV). So, in times of uncertainty, let your mustard-seed faith blossom into bold prayers and courageous action!

Count Your Many Blessings

“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.” (Psalm 65:11)

At year’s end, a Christian should stop to count his blessings. If he does this fairly and fully, no matter what his problems may have been during the year, he will have to confess that God, as always, has crowned the year with goodness.

The coronation figure is frequently used in Scripture to speak of God’s blessings in the Christian life. For example, “Bless the LORD…Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Psalm 103:2, 4). Even our testings and trials are always in the context of God’s grace and love. Christ Himself wore a crown of thorns so that we may be crowned with mercy and salvation.

Consider also Psalm 5:12: “For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” The word “compass” is the same Hebrew word as “crown,” with the basic meaning “encircle.” Other jewels in the believer’s year-end crown are God’s grace and glory. “[Wisdom] shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee” (Proverbs 4:9).

Then there is the wonderful testimony that “thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5). Finally, the believer’s crown is none other than the Lord Himself. “In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people” (Isaiah 28:5).

Most Christians have an abundance of material blessings for which to thank the Lord. Even if they have none of these, however, God has crowned the year with goodness and favor, with lovingkindness and tender mercies, with grace and glory and honor and, best of all, with His own presence. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2). HMM

Eagles

If you are placing your hope in the Lord, then your life may resemble that of an eagle:

Eagles Love to Play with the Wind — They ride thermal updrafts to an altitude of 14,000 feet. The Golden Eagle can reach a speed of 180 miles an hour in a dive. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.“(Isaiah 40:31)

Eagles Travel Light — Their bones are hollow and filled with air: The 7,000 feathers on a Bald Eagle weigh only 21 ounces. “Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.“(Hebrews 12:1 – Living)

Eagles have Keen Eyesight — They see eight times better than human beings. They can spot a mouse in the grass a mile away. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22, 23)

Eagles are Focused — Once an eagle has spotted its prey, it does not take its eyes off the creature until it strikes. “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.“(Philippians 3:13b,14)

Eagles Prefer Peace and Quiet when Raising a Family — They build their nests in high hard-to-reach areas. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…“(1 Thessalonians 4:11a)

Eagles, Male and Female, Work Together Building their Nest or Eyrie — The arduous task takes several weeks to several months. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!“(Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)

Eagles Keep Improving their Home — They continue to bring fresh green sprigs through the nesting period. Some think the sprigs are simply for decoration. “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.“(Psalm 84:5, 6)

Eagles Fiercely Defend their Nesting — They stand up against any animal that might be a threat to their young. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep… Be shepherds of God‘s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be… Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me?‘ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.‘ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.‘”(John 10:11; 1 Pet 5:2a; John 21:16b)

Eagles Mate for Life — An eagle takes a new mate only if its first mate dies. “A married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage… Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife…”(Romans 7:2b; 1 Timothy 3:2a)

“Thy Testimonies are wonderful.”

Psalm 119:129-136, 145-152, 169-176

Psalm 119:129

Tertullian said, “I adore the fulness of the Scriptures.” This is well, but it is better still to stand in awe of their authority, and cheerfully yield obedience to their precepts.

Psalm 119:131

When the word really enters the soul, it creates a strong desire for more holiness. Light outside may condemn, but light within works savingly upon the soul.

Psalm 119:134

When others by their unkindness hinder us in the Lord’s ways, our best course is to carry our case to the Lord, for he is the guardian of the oppressed.

Psalm 119:150, 155

When enemies are near, our Great Friend is near too, and therefore we do not fear.

Psalm 119:152

Our faith does not waver, for the promises are immutable and eternal.

Psalm 119:176

In this humble prayerful manner this long Psalm closes, and so will the believers life-story end. Confession mourns a thousand faults, faith sees grace still alive within the soul, and prayer pleads for divine mercy. With such a prayer our earthly life will come to a fitting FINIS.

Father, I bless thy gentle hand;

How kind was thy chastising rod,

That forc’d my conscience to a stand,

And brought my wand’ring soul to God.

Foolish and vain, I went astray

Ere I had felt thy scourges, Lord;

I left my guide, and lost my way,

But now I love and keep thy word.

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Jerusalem, my happy home,

When shall I come to thee?

When shall my sorrows have an end?

Thy joys when shall I see?

Thy walls are made of precious stones,

Thy bulwarks diamond square;

Thy gates are of right orient pearl,

Exceeding rich and rare.

Thy turrets and thy pinnacles

With carbuncles do shine;

Thy very streets are paved with gold,

Surpassing clear and fine.

The Perfections of God

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2)

I hope that if I am remembered at all it will be for this reason: I have spent my efforts and my energies trying to turn the direction of the people away from the external elements of religion to those that are internal and spiritual.

I have tried to take away some of the clouds in the hope that men and women would be able to view God in His glory. I would like to see this sense of glory recaptured throughout the church—too many Christians do not expect to experience any of the glory until they see Him face to face!

Within our Christian fellowship and worship, we must recapture the Bible concepts of the perfection of our God Most High! We have lost the sense and the wonder of His awe-fullness, His perfection, His beauty.

Oh, I feel that we should preach it, sing it, write about it, talk about it and tell it until we have recaptured the concept of the Majesty of God!

Only that can be beautiful ultimately which is holy—and we who belong to Jesus Christ should know the true delight of worshiping God in the beauty of His holiness!

VIDEO Symbols of the Season: Clock

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

 

Perhaps the most iconic New Year’s Eve celebration in America takes place every December 31, at midnight in Times Square in New York City. Known as the “ball drop,” the ceremony began on December 31, 1907. Starting at 11:59 p.m., a huge, lighted ball descends from above the street, reaching the ground exactly at midnight. The ceremony attracts one million revelers who gather to welcome the new year.

The passage of time—especially the end of one year and the beginning of another—reminds us that God’s timing in our life is perfect. Even when we welcome the end of a particularly trying year, we know God’s mercies are new every morning and that every new day, and year, is full of blessing and potential (Lamentations 3:22-24). We are also reminded to “watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 25:13). We do not know the hour of His appearing, but the Father does (Mark 13:32).

As you welcome the new year, keep one eye turned toward heaven. The new year may see the return of Christ the King.

The great weight of eternity hangs upon the small wire of time. Thomas Brooks

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Psalm 90 – The Prayer of Moses in the Wilderness

Troubled Souls, Honest Prayers

Father, glorify your name! John 12:28

Three days before a bomb blast rocked his home in January 1957, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had an encounter that marked him for the rest of his life. After receiving a threatening phone call, King found himself pondering an exit strategy from the civil rights movement. Then prayers emerged from his soul. “I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But now I am afraid. I have nothing left. I’ve come to the point where I can’t face it alone.” After his prayer, there came quiet assurance. King noted, “Almost at once my fears began to go. My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything.”

In John 12, Jesus acknowledged, “My soul is troubled” (v. 27). He was transparently honest about His internal disposition; still He was God-centered in His prayer. “Father, glorify your name!” (v. 28). Jesus’ prayer was one of surrender to God’s will.

How human it is for us to feel the pangs of fear and discomfort when we find ourselves with the option of honoring God or not; when wisdom requires making hard decisions about relationships, habits, or other patterns (good or bad). No matter what we’re faced with, as we pray boldly to God, He’ll give us the strength to overcome our fear and discomfort and do what brings glory to Him—for our good and the good of others.

By:  Arthur Jackson

Reflect & Pray

What experiences have prompted prayers for God to be honored? What advice would you give to others facing such situations?

Father, please help me to face challenging things honestly and prayerfully that are for my good and will bring You glory.

Trust in God

Faith lets us lose our fear and trust God for the impossible Hebrews 11:1-7

Faith isn’t a passive belief. It’s an active confidence that stirs within our soul—an unwavering trust in God’s promises and a firm conviction about His trustworthiness. When we’re surrounded by uncertainty, our faith guides us and illuminates the path.

Verse 1 of today’s passage says, “Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.” Those words can be viewed as an encouraging invitation to dwell in trust, which steadies the heart and anchors the soul. They’re also a reminder that our hope rests in a loving and sovereign God.

In times of trials and challenges, faith becomes our refuge, whispering, “Don’t be afraid, for God is with you.” It motivates us to step out in obedience, even if doing so seems impossible. And it empowers us to face adversity with courage, knowing that God is working all things together for our good.

The Lord calls us to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and surrender our doubts and fears to Him. He wants us to believe His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak; trusting in Him lets us see beyond the visible to the eternal. Then we will find strength, peace, and the presence of our loving God guiding us every step of the way.