On New Year's Eve I watched the ball drop from Times Square on TV. It's sort of a cool ball, but I didn't quite have the excitement of all those people in Times Square. Why? Because in the natural world of events I didn't see much to get excited about. Now, of course, as a Christian I have much to be excited about, but that is daily, not just once a year.
As I blog, I try to stay positive, but just so you don't think I just jump from mountaintop to mountaintop, and now that 2008 is over, I will now admit that 2008 really was a rough year. It was rough due to serious family illnesses, it was also rough financially, and it was rough in certain aspects of the ministry. It was rough in almost every area of life (except for my walk with the LORD, though always room for improvement). I gladly said GOOD BYE to 2008 (see Phil. 3:13,14)
As I look at 2009, all I can think about is get closer to Jesus and that 2009 will be NO walk in the park. I don't mean to sound like a prophet of doom, but I really expect 2009 to be quite a tumultuous year for America (and the World). I see many, many things getting worse in the natural; so I say, buckle up, it's going to be quite a ride in 2009.
Also, spiritually, I think we will see more and more persecution on Christians and violation of our rights. Americans will start (though not fully) understanding what a lot of Christians in other parts of the world already understand (i.e., there is a cost to being a follower of Christ).
Now on the positive side, I believe we as Christians can really grow closer to our Lord Jesus Christ through it all (Psalm 23:4, Romans 8:28). I, for one, expect to grow closer to the Lord, but I also expect to put more time in prayer and reading/studying of the Word of God (BIBLE).
Also, on the positive side, as things get worse in the world, I believe it will be a great opportunity to point people to Jesus! "...This will be your opportunity to bear witness... Luke 21:13"
I expect this year to bring many changes in my life, and even some of the direction it will take me. I can't say more at this time, but as the Lord redirects me, you'll read of it in the blog.
I have a lot more to say but I am trying to not write long blogs, so let me close with this...
I asked myself the question if money wasn't a factor/issue (my lack of it), would I be doing things differently as far as ministry. And my answer was YES! If money wasn't a factor, I would travel a lot more, ministering in the USA, and ESPECIALLY abroad. I currently have invitations for 2009 to Africa, Pakistan, and India and I would love to make it to all of them in 2009. Also, I have invitations inside the US, too. I felt that I should not stop the yearning of my heart to travel for the LORD, and that money (or lack of it) shouldn't change my calling. I should pursue His call on me ANYWAY (and not let money or the lack of it dictate my calling)!
As I blog, I try to stay positive, but just so you don't think I just jump from mountaintop to mountaintop, and now that 2008 is over, I will now admit that 2008 really was a rough year. It was rough due to serious family illnesses, it was also rough financially, and it was rough in certain aspects of the ministry. It was rough in almost every area of life (except for my walk with the LORD, though always room for improvement). I gladly said GOOD BYE to 2008 (see Phil. 3:13,14)
As I look at 2009, all I can think about is get closer to Jesus and that 2009 will be NO walk in the park. I don't mean to sound like a prophet of doom, but I really expect 2009 to be quite a tumultuous year for America (and the World). I see many, many things getting worse in the natural; so I say, buckle up, it's going to be quite a ride in 2009.
Also, spiritually, I think we will see more and more persecution on Christians and violation of our rights. Americans will start (though not fully) understanding what a lot of Christians in other parts of the world already understand (i.e., there is a cost to being a follower of Christ).
Now on the positive side, I believe we as Christians can really grow closer to our Lord Jesus Christ through it all (Psalm 23:4, Romans 8:28). I, for one, expect to grow closer to the Lord, but I also expect to put more time in prayer and reading/studying of the Word of God (BIBLE).
Also, on the positive side, as things get worse in the world, I believe it will be a great opportunity to point people to Jesus! "...This will be your opportunity to bear witness... Luke 21:13"
I expect this year to bring many changes in my life, and even some of the direction it will take me. I can't say more at this time, but as the Lord redirects me, you'll read of it in the blog.
I have a lot more to say but I am trying to not write long blogs, so let me close with this...
I asked myself the question if money wasn't a factor/issue (my lack of it), would I be doing things differently as far as ministry. And my answer was YES! If money wasn't a factor, I would travel a lot more, ministering in the USA, and ESPECIALLY abroad. I currently have invitations for 2009 to Africa, Pakistan, and India and I would love to make it to all of them in 2009. Also, I have invitations inside the US, too. I felt that I should not stop the yearning of my heart to travel for the LORD, and that money (or lack of it) shouldn't change my calling. I should pursue His call on me ANYWAY (and not let money or the lack of it dictate my calling)!
Much more could be said, like my burden for the youth, my ministry work in Kane, PA. etc., but that will have to wait for a future blog :-)
Join me in prayer and let us all be used of God mightily in 2009!
Watch this video: "Stay Focused on God"
Join me in prayer and let us all be used of God mightily in 2009!
Watch this video: "Stay Focused on God"
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