When we lived in Palm Springs, California [eight years], and in Salem, Oregon [also eight years] we would stay up on New Year's Eve just long enough to watch the ball drop in New York City's "Times Square" and then retire for the night. Of course, at each location we were on Pacific Standard Time, which meant that we saw the annual event at 9:00 p.m our time on the West Coast.
Now that we reside in Nebraska - well, we will somehow have to make it to 11:00 p.m.[at the least] to watch the new year ushered in by those living on the east coast. Frankly, it has been a "long day" today, and I am not sure we will even be able to stay awake until 9 p.m. tonight. However, when we awaken bright and early tomorrow morning we will celebrate the first day of the year A.D. 2013.
What will the New Year bring? [I am not a prophet, nor the son of one]. My best answer to that question? Only God knows. Just a minute or two ago I saw a headline on the internet that said, "It’s Official: U.S. Will Go Over Fiscal Cliff At Midnight." Well, now, if that does indeed happen, I think I can safely say that there are probably many of us who may experience dreadful financial setbacks during the coming year. But even if there is some kind of last minute compromise, the fact of the matter is that in 2013 life will indeed be very difficult for many individuals in the USA - along with countless others living in impoverished places all around the world.
Yesterday, at New Hope Bible Church, we focused our attention on the uplifting message of the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 40. One of the things we learned is that what people really need in order to cope with the difficulties of life [such as financial or physical hardship] is NOT to focus INWARD to try to gain a higher understanding of SELF. Rather, people need to turn their attention UPWARD in order to gain a deeper understanding of GOD! That is the message of the prophet Isaiah - to "behold" our incomparable God! Indeed, that is the over-arching theme of Isaiah 40, which I liken to a majestic symphony of praise [in three "movements"]. There is one specific question that keeps sounding off in this symphony: "Who is like God?" Isaiah's reply? NO ONE. There is no one like God. In the first movement [vs. 12-17], God is presented as the Strong Creator. In the second movement [vs. 18-24], God is presented as the Sovereign Ruler. And in the third and final movement [vs. 19-31], He is presented as the Supreme Pastor. And, as such, He is not only the One Who is THERE, but He is also HERE. And He is here for those for whom life is hard, and who live with constant hurt. He is here for the unwed mother, and the unemployed father. He is here for the hurting parent and the failing student. He is here for the wearied worker and the discouraged pastor. He is the God Who is here!
Yesterday I challenged the congregation of New Hope Bible Church, that as we come to the close of one year and the beginning of another, we need to take a good, long, steady, therapeutic look at the God of the Word in the Word of God! You can hear the message in its entirety online at the following web address -http://sermon.net/PastorJoeLombardi .
Right now it is just minutes before 9:00 p.m., Central Standard Time. I don't think I am going to make it to 11:00 p.m. Certainly not to midnight. So, I better say "good night" right now. God willing, I'll be back to my blog next year! And, however difficult 2013 may prove to be, I am asking the Lord to give me the strength and grace to be able to "run with endurance the race that is set before [me], looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith!" I challenge you to do the same. It would be a good resolution for the coming year.
Of course, as you so run, I will also be rooting for you!
That's all for tonight. Happy New Year, dear reader.
His grace STILL amazes me!
Joe Lombardi
December 31, 2012
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