a bit from the past:

a bit from the past: 

2020 was loud. My word for this last year was;

b r e a t h e.  

Ironic.:) God has a funny way of grasping our attention, doesn’t he? As challenging and painful as this last year was, it’s only the beginning. As detrimental and hopeless as it sounds, it’s the truth and a reminder of the greatest hope that is to come. 

Psalm 18:2 

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” 

I’ve had several conversations with many wise friends about the topic of “self-love”. Among many things, this has been one of the many voices that erupted amongst COVID and quarantine. Reality is, it’s a toxic, empty way to view this life and live each day to do only what makes you happy. 

Happiness is hollow when found in the reflection we see in the mirror, the acne or lack thereof on your skin, the numbers on the scale, the ideal relationship, or your current singleness. Happiness is shallow and temporary. So often we are caught up in the comparison of each other's happiness, we forget that all of this will pass away. 

Matthew 24:35 

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” 

Jesus is claiming the Father’s spoken word, his authority, his eternity, and his joy that will outlast us all. He already has! He is the one who created the heavens and the earth and everything in them: he is the author of life itself. In Jeremiah (29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”) he says his plans are to prosper us, not to harm us. He has made a way for our future and he is our hope. So Trust in who he says he is. 

You can have this confidence in his faithfulness because he’s proven himself since day one.  He has clearly stated in his word that we are not created merely for the here and now. We’re not here to ride the highs and dig our lows. We’re here to bring glory and honor to his name. In His name, there is victory, there is hope, there is Joy not for our mortal entertainment, but for his everlasting praise. 

I’ve been reading through Isaiah this past week and as I was listening to what God had to say of 2020, he brought Isaiah 52: 11-12 to mind, 

“Out of here! Out of here! Leave this place! 

Don’t look back. 

Don’t contaminate yourselves with plunder.

Just leave, but leave clean. 

Purify yourselves in the process of worship, carrying the holy vessels of God.

But you don’t have to be in a hurry. 

You’re not running from anybody!

God is leading you out of here, and the God of Israel is also your rear guard.” 

He is faithful.

He is willing. 

He is able. 

And even if he doesn’t, I’ll still praise him. 

He is faithful. 

He is willing. 

He is able. 

And even if he doesn’t, how will you respond? 

My encouragement to all of you, remember that he is our everlasting hope. It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better. But this “better” is all of eternity with him, gathered at the highest throne joined with the millions of angles at the foot of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ declaring “holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty”. 

Dear friends, do not let this world, the anticipation of this next year, a reflection of this past year overwhelm you. For it is only time. Time is temporary but its author is eternal. We have great assurance and this great hope through our salvation who is Jesus Christ. Press into his word. Lean into who he is rather than what he can do for you. He is not a transactional figure to numb or distracts from current situations.  We are his. Created for his glory, to bring him honor in spite of the rollercoaster of political, racial, and social division we face daily in this world we live in. For our fight is with weapons unseen and the victory is the Lords and His alone. 

Ephesians 6: 10-17

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance.”