December 29, 2005

 

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly case down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.

--Psalm 37:23-24

 

I heard about a guy who had joined all kinds of churches. He’d been a Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and so on. He went to his temporary pastor and said, “I’ve decided to join the congregational church.”

 

The wise minister returned, “Well, I don’t think it hurts too much to change labels on an empty bottle.”

 

You can wear all the labels of religion you want, but it ultimately comes down to whether or not your life is full of Jesus. Is He living in you? It can’t be an intellectual or historical faith. It must be an experiential faith where He is the preeminent, preexistent, present, personal, and permanent Christ in your life.

 

As you think about tomorrow and the day after that, remember that none of us know what the days ahead will hold. There may be tragedy, joy, struggles, and triumphs. And there will certainly be opportunities, possibilities, and privileges in the days ahead. But the good news is that we don’t have to worry about tomorrow because Jesus will be there. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever!

 

Only God knows what the future holds. If you follow Jesus, then God has already wisely and deliberately prepared the way for you guiding all your steps every day this coming year and for the rest of your life. Just as God has worked in the past and is working in the present, we can know He is preparing the future. Aggressively seek the Lord this year and pray that He would guide your steps every day in every way.

 

LIVE IN CONFIDENCE THIS YEAR AND FOR ETERNITY THAT GOD WILL WORK TOGETHER ALL THINGS FOR OUR GOOD AND HIS GLORY.