2012 in Review and a look at 2013.

 

This site is primarily for family, friends,

and whoever cares to read about my journey in Christ

Sort of like an open diary.

 

 

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:6–7

  

2012 - WOW! What a year! I can't really say I'll miss it as it was a year of trials and valleys for the most part.  As always, even in that God was at work in my life (see scripture above).  AMEN FOR THAT!

Today, I am going to briefly go through a couple areas of my life,

and then go through the last year nationally (and some world events),

and then have some closing words in "my" look at 2013.

My prayer is that you will continue to lift up me, my family and this ministry (www.goproclaim.com) AND that something in what I share, especially from scripture, will speak to your heart.

Let's get started!

 

The last few months have been pretty much a continuation of previous months, so I won't get into much detail except for my year in cycling and new church plant possibility.

 

As for my cycling: That has been one of my most exciting adventures and allowed me much quiet time to think things through, and talk to the Lord and have Him speak to me (through the Bible and in my heart). 

Here is the breakdown of my year in cycling:

It started with a goal of 1250 miles by year end, but to my surprise it ended with cycling a total of 3,223 miles. It involved one crash/injury in May, of which I am 90-95% healed (except the colder weather has brought out much more pain in the injured joints). I also was able to do my first charity ride in July for Cystic Fibrosis raising $415.  That was my cycling highlight (raising money and doing this ride).

 

We were heavily involved in "House Church Movement" in 2011, and it was a good time, but didn't at all convince me against the "institutional church" as some (many) in that movement believe.  It did show me that my personal desire (with I believe the Lord's leading) is to have a church with as little overhead as possible, and to do much for the kingdom with a smaller group (zero desire for a mega church), but as always, to build on the Bible and not the ways of man (how ever good they may seem).  Thus, I started, "The Gathering" and a new blog at:
 http://thegatheringnc.wordpress.com/ with the theme "Small church with a big vision."  As such, we have been meeting with some couples at our house and at their homes.  It is sort of like a pre-church launch as we seek God for 2013 and the possibility of pastoring again.  I do feel I am pastoring in my calling even though I don't have a "congregation" to speak of. 

So, those are the two biggest highlights that stand out to me for 2012.
Note: I'm sure the Lord might highlight other things in my year :-)

Now, I would like to look at the year in review (nationally/worldwide). Boy, was it a crazy year for the most part!

Just a few events of 2012:

 

July 20th - 12 people are killed and 59 injured after a gunman opens fire at a Dark Knight movie premier in Aurora, Colorado. 

 

July 27 to August 12 - The 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

 

September 11th - The US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, is stormed, looted and burned down, killing five people including the US ambassador.

 

October 29th - Hurricane Sandy makes landfall in New Jersey resulting in 110 deaths and $50+ billion in damage including the New York area and other East coast states.

November 6th - Barack Obama wins the presidency again this time over Mitt Romney.

December 14th - 28 people, including 20 children, are shot to death at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  A most horrific shooting in my hometown of Newtown!

 

It is hard to date all the car bombs/fighting/wars around the world, including Syria, Israel, and Palestine to name a few. 

 

While 2012 had many tragic happenings, I know for many there were some exciting good things that happened too and for that I rejoice. I really rejoice!!!

 

Now looking into 2013 (from my perspective).

For starters, I always find it interesting that people welcome in the New Year like it won't have the trials and tragedies that the previous year brought us. 

 

Yet God's Word (Bible) says in Job 14:1 "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble" and in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that IN ME (Jesus) ye might have PEACE. In the WORLD ye shall have TRIBULATION: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world".  And there are numerous scriptures that say the same thing.  Yes, as a Christian we can have "the peace of God that passes all understanding" (Phil. 4:7).  But those without Christ do not have this hope, so year after year they keep hoping the next year will be better, but unless they come into a relationship with Christ, they will have the same emptiness, and many troubles as this year 2013 comes to an end; then again some how hope 2014 will be better, and the cycle will continues for the rest of their lives (especially that emptiness only Christ can fill).

As you now enter into the new year, I don't have to be a prophet to tell you, you will have trials and troubles, but if you have Christ in your life you can have a peace that is amazing, and you will grow through any trials thrown your way.  Like every year should be, let this be a year that you grow closer and closer to Jesus.

In His Service,

Jim

I do not count myself to have apprehended ; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.   PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14