JUST ONE SIN

Moses served God so well and so faithfully. He endured so much from the nation that seemed to complain and rebel so often against God and against Moses. He endured even their threats to kill him when their anger reached its apex. Moses led this nation through the hot, dry desert for 40 long years yet God would not let him enter the Promised Land.
Because of just one sin! Moses failed to obey God and honour Him in front of the nation on one occasion. Israel was complaining once again - this time due to lack of water. God offered to provide water for them: Moses and Aaron needed to simply command a certain rock to produce water.
But Moses was angry (humanly speaking a very understandable reaction) and instead of speaking with God's authority, hit the rock with his staff twice saying, "Listen you rebels must we bring you water out of this rock?" The water came out but Moses had sinned. God told Moses that he had failed to trust and failed to honour God. (Numbers 20:1 - 12
Moses sin had disqualified him from leading the people into the long promised land. What a tragedy for one who had led so well, for so long. Why had Moses and Aaron both failed to reach the promised land?

"For both of you betrayed me with the Israelites at the waters of Meribah at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. You failed to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel there." Deuteronomy 32:51

We need to guard our ways and seek to obey at all times. We are always vulnerable to sin. And we never know, in spite of God's mercy and long-suffering, when one sin may bring terrible consequences.  We must trust and obey - all the time. God's holiness is to be demonstrated in us.

WHAT OR WHO?

God through Moses provided great preparation for the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land. They were promised it would be a productive location, described in poetic language as "a land flowing with milk and honey."
Most important surely was the promise that it would be their very own land. After 400 years as slaves, and then 40 years as nomads in the desert, they would be enabled to conquer Palestine and it would become their home. Every tribe would have its own farmland, its owns villages and cities: a permanent home, their own place. A lot has been written in the last few decades about the importance of roots and importance of place; how place affects humans.
But one group were clearly told by God: Sorry you will not inherit any land. Every other group of Israelites will have property they can call their own. But not you. You are special, so you will not get the "what" that all your fellow Israelites will receive.
"The Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites." Numbers 18:20
Stop and think about that. How did the Levites, descendants of Aaron feel about that promise? The promise: land of your own, to farm; property where you could build your own permanent house, had to appeal to them as enticing as it did to other Israelites. Yet God promised them something better. Not a what - not a land inheritance; but Who - God Himself.
There are many preachers and churches encouraging their people toward heresy today, even though they are orthodox in their confession of faith. They claim to believe the Bible. Yet they promise believers that God wants them to be rich; God wants them to have material prosperity; Christianity is a lot about what you can get if you will just "name it and claim it"; if you will just "speak the word"; if you just have enough faith. Sadly in many cities around the world, these churches are growing; attracting people by the promises of prosperity and wealth.
This heresy puts the focus on me instead of God; it puts the focus on things instead of relationship; it puts the emphasis on what can I get instead of the God I can know. It moves me toward selfishness and greed.
Yes, naturally I am attracted to what I can get. I'd like my own things: one of those, and three of those, and ten of those, and, and ---. I naturally love this world and all it attractively packages. I am attracted to the "what": "the cravings of sinful man; the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life."(I John 2:16) It is a never ending spiritual battle to reject loving the world and instead love God.
I suspect that at times certain Levites were tempted to envy their fellow Israelites who had much more to call their own; material things they could enjoy and could pass on to their children. Yet if they were at all in tune with God, those Levites would, as we must, turn back toward God and realize how special and privileged they were. God had chosen them and gave to them Himself.
And He has done the same for you! Don't fall to the ever present temptation of pursuing more things at the sacrifice of pursuing more of God Himself.

WOULDN'T IT BE NICE

What a privilege the infant nation of Israel enjoyed. Moses, their leader was allowed a highly unusual intimate relationship with the God of Israel. He was given directions and help as he met with God in a unique way.
Israel's main diet was provided miraculously every day during their 40 years in the desert. When their was no water supply God, through Moses would connect them to a new, custom made artesian well. Divine protection against enemies was guaranteed, as long as they were obedient.
What struck me today was how wonderfully and directly the OT people were led by God for 40 years. When you are considering a job change, a move to another city or country, when you face those major decisions of life, wouldn't it be nice to be led in the clear, obvious way God led them?

"Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp." Numbers 9:15-23

"Yes, Lord, I will go wherever your cloud, your fire lead me. But it is so hard sometimes to detect your cloud or your fire."

We are not OT believers. We are new covenant people and NT believers are called to live by faith. We are promised that if we give ourselves totally to God; if we refuse to conform to this world's values and morality; if cooperate with God in developing a transformed mind; then we will know "His good, pleasing and perfect will". (Romans 12:1, 2)

Not as easy as simply following Moses and the cloud of God, right? Yet this path, this life of faith encourages us to grow from the inside - out; to become more like Christ; to be holy as He is holy.

God is not so concerned that you are in the right place; He is very concerned that you are becoming the right person - the person He really wants you to become.

Wouldn't it be nice? Not to be led by a cloud and fire, but to be conformed to the image of Christ! That is our objective.

CREATIVE CREATOR

We are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a few days. Yesterday we visited a large mall and since we are on a holiday had time to relax and observe. At one point I commented to Jan that there is an amazing variety of human faces, even though in another sense all humans look much alike. The variation of in human faces can often be measured only in mm, yet we notice this difference easily.
Then today we visited the KL Bird Park, set in a large park, only minutes by car from downtown. It is  advertised as the World's Largest free-flight Walk in Aviary. Huge netting soaring 10 to 25 meters high (by my estimate) spreads over much of the 21 acres that are home to over 3,000 birds of all kinds. Some of the birds are in large cages, many are free to fly and walk, roaming the park among hundreds of humans.  
What a wonder to walk among these birds many of whom have become fully comfortable with humans. I've seen hundreds of egrets in Florida and elsewhere, but never stood less than half a meter away to study one. We walked among dozens of peacocks, storks, herons, etc. In the cages were a variety of parrots, ostriches, emus, hornbills, etc. Since all are tropical or semi-tropical birds, the colours and variety are outstanding.
We were once again filled with awe and wonder at how our Creator God has built into our world such amazing variety.
Everyone who visits this marvellous park can enjoy the huge variety of size and shape, call and colours. But we are able to lift our thoughts and worship to the Creator. We join again with the psalmist who in thinking about the world around us and about humans, could not contain himself but explodes in praise and worship.
"O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth." Psalm 8:1, 9

READING LEVITICUS

I am not much of a speed reader, but a number of chapters in Leviticus cause me to read quite quickly. Part of God's wisdom for His people under the Old Covenant, the direct or not so direct relevance for the 21st century believer is not apparent.
I suspect some of you may never read parts of the Old Testament like Leviticus. Why not simply read the easier parts, like Genesis and the Psalms. Well there are a number of reasons I won't go into in this short blog. One obvious one is that all of Scripture is inspired. Another is that the entire OT was the Scripture our Lord Jesus used on earth.
However I will simply say "because by skipping large chunks of the Bible you deprive yourself." I thought of this yesterday after reading (very quickly) a number of chapters in Leviticus, I "came up for air" at the end of chapter 16.
So many sacrifices of different kinds. So many regulations. So many holy days. So many sheep, goats, bulls, birds slaughtered. So much blood spilled and used to mark out people and items as holy. So much  necessary to satisfy a Holy God who is offended by sin.
"Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins." Leviticus 16:30
I read these words and I rejoiced for ancient Jews. Rejoiced that God made a way for people back then. And rejoiced again that you and I live on this side of the Incarnation and the Cross. Rejoiced that our perfect Saviour could become the One sacrifice, for all people, for all time. Rejoiced that I could recall the wonderful passages of Hebrews that build so strongly upon chapters like these in Leviticus.
Why read a book like Leviticus? It should help you understand and appreciate the book of Hebrews. It should help you deepen your worship of our Great Saviour.

WE ARE ONE

To start the year at HIF, we are spending 5 Sundays in Romans 12. What a great chapter providing teaching that is so relevant to living the life of a disciple of Jesus. Today I was preaching from Romans 12:3 -8. One point stressed in this passage is the importance of seeing ourselves within the Body of Christ; this Body which is a unit yet very diverse.
"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." 12:4,5
I hope you are learning to rejoice in the fact that the body is both unified and diverse. Some people allow the diversity to irritate them. They really want everyone to enjoy the same kind of preaching and worship music; to have full agreement on spiritual gifts; to be united on the role of women; to agree on everything. So they usually draw a circle that is only as big as their comfort level allows. And in so doing they miss the richness of diversity Christ allows in His Body.
In an international church we cannot escape the diversity of the Body. Today our worship singing was led by a visiting Australian pastor who frequently travels internationally. Yesterday he led a seminar on worship for about 20 of our musicians. As we chatted for a few moments it was evident that he comes from a strongly charismatic circle of churches, while as I mentioned to him in just one sentence my background is different. We agreed that focusing on the main things allows believers like us to stay unified in the church; to worship and to serve together.
I mentioned to him that I don't know the denominational background of most of our people at HIF. We want them to love Jesus and to study and respond to the Word. Backgrounds are very secondary.
Our visiting Australian leader had an HIF worship band today consisting of two men from the Philippines, two Americans and two Nigerians - not sure of their church backgrounds but they sing and play well. The one giving announcements, the one praying - and Oh yes, me, the one preaching, were all from Canada.
All of us are one in Christ. All of us belong to His Body, the Church. You, wherever you are, whatever your church background and nationality, you are part of this great worldwide Body. How wonderful to know that by faith, we all belong to Him, and therefore belong to each other.
It was fun to talk with a visitor from Toronto today, who recalled hearing me preach a few times when I was a pastor there. She has served with World Vision in Indonesia and now is in Laos. Both of us far from Toronto, but connected in this great unity: One Body. One Lord. One Church.
How much fun it is to belong to a Body with such diversity. How amazing that we all belong to Him!

COMING AND GOING

I was warned by people that International Churches are constantly changing. Our recent congregational survey proved this reality: we discovered that 57% of our people had been at HIF for less than two years. (We'd love to report that this was because of many new believers, but it is mostly because of believers moving in and out of Hanoi.)
Of course it is one thing to talk about percentages or even about congregations changing. It is another thing as you regularly say personal "hellos" and "goodbyes" to a variety of folks. For example: in the past 8 days we have said goodbye to a wonderful single woman from Taiwan who plans to return home for a few weeks and then move to Cuba to study Spanish. We have also said goodbye to a medical couple from Australia. They will return home for a few weeks and then move to Montreal for at least two years on a post doctoral fellowship. These very active Christians will really be missed.
On the other hand we have welcomed two new couples: one from the USA, one from Japan and the USA. We will hope they integrate well (and quickly) to both the country and to our church family.
Given the number of transitions that take place, this kind of International Church does not depend much on long term church members. We really must depend on God who never changes and of course He never says "goodbye." We rely on His knowledge of the future as we make plans and commitments for a congregation that we know will be 50% different two years from now!
It is kind of like "living by faith.":) A great way to live for churches as well as for individuals.

AHEAD OF YOU

It is always reassuring when someone goes ahead of you. It took some faith and a little risk for us to leave Canada and come to Vietnam. However we knew two couples who "had gone ahead"; one had arrived in Ho Chi Minh City several months ahead of us; the other couple were veterans of ten years. They were of great help in orienting us to our new location.
I can only imagine what it has been like for those who have gone to a new country and new city, having no connections at all. It would be immensely more difficult if there was no one available to help you avoid problems and give you guidance in finding different basic things. In your first weeks it seems you are constantly facing "where?" and "how?" questions. Someone who has gone ahead of you can often provide the answers and a comforting reassurance.
Moses and the people of Israel were setting out on a path that none of them had ever walked before. There was no one who had gone ahead of them to show them where they should go; where to find water or food; or what dangers might lie ahead. They had no one but the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was enough. And He promised to take care of them.
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."
 “I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run." 
Exodus 23:20 & 27
God would prepare the way for them. And we can trust God to do the same for us. None of us can predict accurately what blessings and challenges lie ahead in 2013. But God knows and as the One outside of time, He will prepare the way for us. And He will prepare us, if we live by faith in daily obedience. We can face the future with confidence: not in ourselves, our savings and investments, our health insurance or our employer; not in our government. We walk into the future with confidence in our God who goes ahead of us.

PASS IT ON

The woman who led our "pastoral prayer" in yesterday's worship service is a mother of two young girls. During her prayer she prayed specifically for parents as they experience the joy but also the difficulties of raising children. We had earlier that morning prayed similar prayers as six of us gathered in our pre-service prayer meeting.
Their are many challenges parents face. One specific challenge is to pass on their faith to the next generation. God is clear that this is their responsibility. As early as the institution of the Passover, God commands through Moses that father's must explain the Passover to their sons. Each father is responsible for helping his son appreciate God's greatness in the miracle of that first passover that resulted in freedom for the Israelites.
"On that day tell your son, ‘I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’" Exodus 13:8
“In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand theLord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." Exodus 13:14

Parents can often look to Sunday Schools and Christian Schools for Christian help as they raise their children. But they cannot shirk their responsibility to tell of the great things God has done in history - and also in their personal and family life. Notice how personal the father is to be in vs. 8 "what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt."
Although the Bible does not expand beyond this, it seems to me that God surely expects other family members to do the same: shouldn't we all be sharing with children "what the Lord did for me"? Whether you are an aunt or uncle, grandparent or much older brother or sister, have you considered your responsibility in letting the "next generation" know how great, faithful and loving is your God? We are all responsible to "pass it on"; this great Good News is for sharing; we are witnesses within our families and to the world.

GO AND WAIT

Moses went reluctantly. You remember how 5 times he did his best to decline the assignment to lead Israel out of captivity. (Exodus 3&4) Yet finally, assured that his brother Aaron would be with him, Moses left his role of leading stubborn sheep to assume the role of leading stubborn people.
Now he is ready, prepared by God to be confirmed by the nation of Israel as their new leader and to persuade Pharaoh to let God's people go. He is ready, but it is not yet time. He takes the first steps and finds that God is not going to move as quickly as Moses would like. In fact, God is not going to make this a simple task. God sees the big picture, Moses does not.
Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh with the initial request that he release Israel. The result: Pharaoh commands that things be made more difficult for the people. Moses questions what God is doing and the people in turn speak strongly against Moses. (Exodus 5: 22, 23) Then of course begins the classic confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, in which it takes ten plagues - the awesome demonstration of God's Divine power - to finally weaken Pharaoh's resolve and free the people of Israel.
How often in Scripture we read examples of God's timing: so much slower than the desired timing of his people. How often do His people pray and God answers "wait." How often do His people have to endure difficulties before experiencing God's blessings.
We who follow Jesus (and in the footsteps of those like Moses) agree to go when and where God directs us - across the street or across the world. We are not promised it will be easy, nor that the results we expect will come quickly. We go and sometimes (often?) we wait, even without understanding.
This is why it is called a life of faith.

TRUSTING GOD

I read the familiar but amazing story of Joseph again this morning. It never fails to interest me. I marvel at what Joseph enjoyed and endured. In short form here is my quick overview.
God blessed him: with his father's doting care; with prophetic dreams; with success in Potiphar's estate management; with success running the jail; the fascinating ability to interpret dreams; sudden promotion to the number 2 power position in all of Egypt at age 30; vindication and sweet, short lived revenge on his brothers; and finally the opportunity to provide for his aged father and the entire extended family, as well as all of Egypt during the severe famine. A story of marvellous success and blessing.
But God also allowed him to endure: hatred and rejection by 10 of his eleven brothers; almost being killed by them; sold by his brothers into slavery; false accusation and imprisonment; sudden hope dashed by a two year wait for the cup bearer to remember Joseph; all of this endured over a total of 13 long years in a foreign country with no hope of ever seeing his family again. Long years when he must have wondered what God was doing.
Take your pick of these descriptions of Joseph: spoiled favorite son, flaunting the best wardrobe, who is apparently happy to let his brothers know about his dreams that elevate him above the whole family OR devastated young sibling who suffers under the hatred, anger and rejection of his brothers OR highly successful, gifted young man who keeps rising to the top, first under Potiphar, then under the jailor and finally under Pharaoh.
Or perhaps we all prefer the wonderful forgiving, God trusting man who assures his brothers that in spite of what they did out of hatred, he sees the sovereign hand of God using evil for good. Repeatedly he affirms, "God sent me here."
May you echo those words, whatever your blessings or difficulties, wherever you are today.

NOISE AND QUIET

I was reminded of how noisy Hanoi the other day. It was almost 7:00 am. I was reading my Bible and Jan was struggling with a cold so was still in bed. I'd heard the normal call to classes from the nearby high school (a few drum beats and a loud sentence or two) at 6:45. Being a Monday they then held their general assembly in the school courtyard that serves as their gym and auditorium (and sometimes parking lot).
The sound system was even louder than normal and the program featured music as well as a very expressive speaker. I was extra sensitive to the noise since Jan was asleep and I was about to begin praying. I just had to smile. Even though we are 300 meters away and 19 stories above the school, I could hear every word.
I think I've mentioned before that Hanoi drivers are notorious for using their horns to say, variously: "look out I am coming; move, you are in my way; I see you and hope you see me; I am frustrated that traffic is so slow; the light is turning in 5 seconds, why aren't you moving already; Hello; etc."
Horns are overused but some of them are amazingly loud - especially on buses and trucks. Both outdoors (such as in the nearby school courtyard) and indoors at meetings, church services, wherever, sound systems are normally set at about twice the required volume.
Add to that the fact that Vietnamese generally (of course all comments are generalizations) speak at a volume much louder than many ethnic groups. When people are having a normal conversation in our apartment hallway, we often remind each other: "they are not angry or arguing, they are just talking."
All of that to say, the average Vietnamese is usually surrounded by noise much more than is the average city dweller in Edmonton, Toronto, New York or Sydney.
However this morning I awoke earlier than usual. So I was reading my Bible at 5:30 am and suddenly realized it was actually quiet. With windows closed and drapes drawn; before rush hour and before school started, it was quiet! There were minutes when I could not hear even one faint horn honking. Amazing!
Now I am not sure that today "I heard from God" any better than on Monday when reading with accompanying school music and pep talk. But it certainly was easier to concentrate. If you have a very quiet spot where you can meet with God, be thankful.
Anyway, thinking of this caused me again to remember the Psalmist words:

He says, “Be still, (stop striving) and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

However you do it, I hope you will take time to slow down, be quiet, be still, stop striving and remember today that the Lord is God and we are called to exalt Him.
  

GIVING 10 TIMES 10

Pastors are often asked about tithing. What is it? Should I do it? Should it calculated on my gross income or net income? Should I tithe while I am in debt? Should I tithe if I receive a gift?
Actually, I am more interested today in the question (which I admit is not of great significance): where did the idea of tithing originate? You know that Melchizedek, King of Salem appears out of nowhere in Genesis 14; is described as a priest of God most high, and blessed Abram. The writer of Hebrews presents Melchizedek as a forerunner, a type of Christ our High Priest forever. Abram acknowledges Melchizedek and gives him a tenth of everything he has just won in battle. Nothing is said as to why Abram gives him a tenth; where he got that idea or why 10% not 5% or 20% is given.
Then a few pages later, Genesis describes Jacob's vivid heavenly dream and the Lord's promise to Him. Jacob marvels at the presence of the Lord and exclaims "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, this is the gate of heaven." Genesis 28:17
He promises that if God indeed blesses and protects him, then he, Jacob will give a tenth back to God. How he will do that; to whom or to what he will give the tenth is not described. It is just mentioned.
Of course we know that tithing is actually prescribed to the people of Israel. It was part of the many guidelines, laws and regulations God gave through Moses 500 years after Jacob made his promise to tithe.
Now I don't believe tithing is a law for Christians because the NT clearly teaches we are children of grace not of law. I (along with many Bible scholars and preachers) never teach that a Christian must tithe. That is OT teaching.
On the other hand, since we find the above examples appearing long before the Law was given, we do well to pay attention. Like many others I encourage Christians to take 10% as a guideline for giving. We are wise to see giving 10% as a minimum standard beyond which serious Christians often rise.
However much more basic than tithing is the need for each of us to give ourselves to God. The NT challenge (just preached it yesterday) is to settle for giving nothing less than 10 times 10; giving 100% of ourselves to God. If and when you've offered the sacrifice of your whole self to God, then giving 10% and more of your income is not a big issue. Generosity flows from those who have come to appreciate the great mercies of God.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12;1

TWO GREAT QUOTES

They are both found in Genesis 18. One is a quote of what the Lord said to Abraham. His is a question that expects a strong response of "No." The other is what Abraham later said to the Lord. His is a question that also expects a strong response of "No." Can you guess what they are? I suspect you know them. Both of them express, through a question, something of God's greatness.
Some of us have quoted them many times because they are so relevant in a variety of discussions. They are life relevant for all of us. I find it interesting that they appear in two conversations included in just one chapter.
OK, did you identify them?
Here they are:
The Lord said to Abraham, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Abraham needed to believe and answer "no, you can indeed give us a child at age 90 and age 100". Even that amazing miracle was not too hard for the Lord.
A little while later, Abraham said to the Lord, "Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?". This was certainly a rhetorical question. Abraham was certain that God was merciful which is why he was pleading for God to lower his quota from 50 all the way down to just 10 righteous people.
We who have read Scripture and seen God move in our lives and the lives of others are certain that both these questions deserve a "NO" answer. We believe God is omnipotent and God is just and loving.
How ancient the context of these questions. How life changing is the world view that is founded on this understanding of who God is.

WHAT? AT YOUR AGE?

Once upon a time it seemed that people made a choice of careers in their early twenties, or even teens, and that was it. They were locked into their job/career until they retired, died or the company closed down. If they were the exceptional few, they were sent by God and the church to serve as international workers - career international workers.
Times have changed. Radical career changes and numerous career changes are more the norm than the unusual among many people. There is not much job security out there and on the other hand, not many companies can count on keeping their employees, especially the best from moving on.
Yet it seems to me too many Christians still remain stuck in that former paradigm. Because they did not venture out of their country before age 40, (except for a winter or summer vacation) they feel God would never expect them to move across a border or across an ocean to serve Him. Yet there are more opportunities to serve God in a variety of countries than ever before. It is easier today to leave family and friends yet stay in close touch through social media than it has ever been.
So I remind you - God does call people in mid-life and later, to make radical changes. He gives us a clear example in Abraham. You probably know that:
"The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you." Genesis 12:1

But have you noticed in the same paragraph that we read, "Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran."(12:4) That does not sound like a mid-life career change. It sounds like a retirement move at age 75. Of course we also need to be aware that Scripture records Abraham as fathering children long past the age of 100 and living to age 175. (25:1 - 8) 

So maybe taking that ancient longevity into account, Abraham's move at age 75 might be the equivalent of making a major move today in your 40's. Actually I happen to have friends here in Hanoi who made similar radical career and location changes in their 40's because they were convinced the Lord had directed them, clearly leading them to "go from your country, your people and your father's household". They have followed God's direction not seeking wealth or comfort, nor running from difficulties. They have made that move - from Korea or from the USA - because they believed this was God's direction for them.
I don't like to see Christians miss God's best because "they are not the moving kind" or because "we missed the opportunity when in our 20's," or because "we could never leave our children or grandchildren." Great opportunities are open and God is calling many Christians to make major moves in their 40's, 50's, 60's and yes, like Abraham, for a few even in their 70's.
I hope you remain open to the reality that God may want you to do some "leaving", no matter your age or life situation.

IN THE BEGINNING

We talked with our grandchildren this morning over Skype and teased them as to what year they were in. Simone answered correctly that it was 2012. But we assured her it was really 2013; the New Year had already arrived. Of course we were talking from a time zone 12 hours ahead of hers.
New! I read the early chapters of Genesis this morning and paused to wonder what it was like to have everything new. To be in an unbroken relationship with God. To be unhindered by, even unaware of what sin and shame feel like. To be perfectly innocent.
New! To be in a perfect marriage. (OK ours is almost perfect after 44 years but not quite.) To be absolutely "in synch" with nature. To be perfectly "in synch" with yourself (Do you have debates with yourself as often as I do?).
In the beginning God made everything in nature good. He described it that way. Yet we live with "the curse". We live with hurricanes and typhoons, earthquakes and drought, snowstorms and heat waves.
The New Year provides a new beginning for all of us - a New Year on which to write our actions and words. Yet of course we each carry into the year the package of our past - we don't start with a clean slate.
But one day there will be a new beginning for every believer; a beginning that is totally new. We will be newly fashioned with resurrection bodies and we will be part of a new heaven and new earth.
Meanwhile in this New Year, our goal is to become more like Christ, even as we live as "new creations" with our own "sin scars" and with relationships and a world scarred by sin. May this be a wonderful year of spiritual growth for all of us.