2012 provides us all with a kind of new beginning. We have 365 days ahead of us, days we have never lived before. We have not ruined even one evening or wasted even one day in this new year. It is all in front of us.
Actually, for me in this time zone, it is already January 2nd. The first day is gone; but it was good. Starting the New Year on a Sunday was very nice. First, we don't leave our apartment until 9:00 am, so the day starts slowly. Second, beginning the New Year with people who love our Lord and with them to sing His praises and open His Word was appropriate. Third, we shared Communion together, which we do on the first Sunday of every month.
Without planning to do so, at the beginning of the day, I found myself reminiscing for a few moments about years gone by. Even at my age, I don't spend a lot of time looking back. However yesterday, some regrets entered my mind. Not so much about 2011, but looking farther back. Some situations I might have handled differently; some leadership moments I would like to replay; some words that cannot be retrieved. This kind of remembering is humbling. Hopefully it can prevent mistakes from being repeated.
I confessed my failures and sins to the Lord and gratefully thanked Him for His unending mercy and forgiveness. Later, as I received Communion with other believers in our Sunday Service, I remembered the One who experienced no failure and no sin. I remembered His great sacrifice for our sins; for my sins. I remembered, worshipped and rejoiced!
Reminiscing about the failures of the past? I refuse to do that kind of remembering very often, for it is usually not helpful. It can be depressing; it can hinder me from enjoying the now and preparing well for the future. I choose to live like the Apostle Paul who wrote: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:13, 14
As we move into a New Year, may you live with gratitude that the past has been forgiven; may you fully enjoy the present, it is all you have; and may you prepare for a future that is centered on Jesus Christ.
Speaking of the future and new beginnings: since we live in Asia, we get to start another New Year in just three weeks. The big celebration for most Asians is the start of the Lunar New Year, which this year comes in January. In Vietnam it is referred to as Tet. Our bonus for living in Vietnam: two new beginnings in one month!
Actually, for me in this time zone, it is already January 2nd. The first day is gone; but it was good. Starting the New Year on a Sunday was very nice. First, we don't leave our apartment until 9:00 am, so the day starts slowly. Second, beginning the New Year with people who love our Lord and with them to sing His praises and open His Word was appropriate. Third, we shared Communion together, which we do on the first Sunday of every month.
Without planning to do so, at the beginning of the day, I found myself reminiscing for a few moments about years gone by. Even at my age, I don't spend a lot of time looking back. However yesterday, some regrets entered my mind. Not so much about 2011, but looking farther back. Some situations I might have handled differently; some leadership moments I would like to replay; some words that cannot be retrieved. This kind of remembering is humbling. Hopefully it can prevent mistakes from being repeated.
I confessed my failures and sins to the Lord and gratefully thanked Him for His unending mercy and forgiveness. Later, as I received Communion with other believers in our Sunday Service, I remembered the One who experienced no failure and no sin. I remembered His great sacrifice for our sins; for my sins. I remembered, worshipped and rejoiced!
Reminiscing about the failures of the past? I refuse to do that kind of remembering very often, for it is usually not helpful. It can be depressing; it can hinder me from enjoying the now and preparing well for the future. I choose to live like the Apostle Paul who wrote: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:13, 14
As we move into a New Year, may you live with gratitude that the past has been forgiven; may you fully enjoy the present, it is all you have; and may you prepare for a future that is centered on Jesus Christ.
Speaking of the future and new beginnings: since we live in Asia, we get to start another New Year in just three weeks. The big celebration for most Asians is the start of the Lunar New Year, which this year comes in January. In Vietnam it is referred to as Tet. Our bonus for living in Vietnam: two new beginnings in one month!
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