Sunday, December 28, 2008

Spiritual Year End Review

Hello All, 

 This year has been so fast moving that I lost track of the days since Hurricane Ike disrupted our lives. Finding a new place to live after the damage to the house and becoming accustomed to not working when I was displaced in September has kept my life interesting. I spent a month and a half coughing due to the mold in the house where I lived until recently. 

Now that the end of the year is approaching I am taking time to review the ups and downs of my spiritual walk. Every year the media gives the audience the highlights of the previous year, such as great triumphs, notable people who have died, and great media scoops ( I found this one today). It is in this spirit of review that I encourage all of you to look over the past year to gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses; and plan for the new year. 

Like many of you, I endured some dark days this year. Living on the Gulf Coast; our lives may never be the same since Ike came for a visit. I choose to believe that in my personal life, this has turned out to be a good thing in spite of the many aggravations during those days. 

As I look toward the new year I am making a list that I want to review, and perhaps change my attitude about in the new year. 
They are: 
  1. Do I feel that I was persecuted by the devil or his fallen angels this year? 
  2. Was I overcome, or did I overcome them? 
  3. Did I trust God this year, or did I panic? 
  4. How have I measured up in my relations with my fellow man?(Other People) Am I compassionate? Do I even think of others in my daily life? 
  5. What about my time in conversation with God? (Prayer) Was it productive or did I whine about my problems? 
  6. Have I taken authority over my home...my life? 
  7. Am I thoughtful of the problems of others? Do I pray for them, and help if I am able? 
  8. Do I listen for the voice of the Lord in my daily life? Do I hear his commands? Am I obedient? 
  9. Do I have a repentant spirit? 
  10. Am I willing to change? 
These are the questions that concern me. Each of you have your own interests, and concerns. Make your list personal and give them serious consideration as we move forward to the new year. Plan to make a change in your life.  You will be blessed. 

No matter what has overtaken you this year, and no matter what state you currently find yourself; know this...God is with you every step of the way. His love is everlasting, and His protection will be with you every step you take. Our world is changing daily. Our economy has fluctuated badly, and people are afraid. Take heart and do not be afraid. Israel began bombing Gaza this week and we are moving quickly toward a destiny that was set in motion a millenium ago. No matter what overtakes you, rest assured that God is in control and our very lives are in His hands. 

Jesus put it this way. 
 John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled; You believe in God, believe also in me. 

Matthew 6: 25-31
25 Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ...
31 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own troubles. 

Take some time to read the entire passage. It will uplift and bless you. 

I urge you to take time to review your spiritual year, and make your New Year's resolution to tighten up your walk with the Lord. He is coming soon. 

Blessings!

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