December 28, 2016 (Wednesday)
There are four more days in the year 2016, including today. It seems like an excellent moment to meditate upon the past, present and future.
When the Apostle Paul was 60 years old, he found himself in a Roman prison and wrote to the beloved congregation at Philippi, thanking the people for a gift, and telling them that he expected to be released from prison (two years later he was tried and aquitted but after a few years freedom was arrested again and executed in A.D. 66).
In his letter to the Philippians he tells them how he feels about his life. He wrote, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13b-14 NIV). It seems to me that these thoughts would be good for us to have as we reach the end of this year and anticipate the new one which begins in a few days.
What did he say? He said he was forgetting the past (especially, the achievements of his life thus far), looking forward to the future and applying himself wholeheartedly to the tasks at hand. That was his personal testimony, but it is good advice for us all.
A little later in the letter, he gives us all some great advice as we anticipate the year ahead: “brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).
Along the way he offers these words: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV). Think about it. And do it.
Congratulations to Dale and Ann Pogue. Yesterday was their 59th Wedding Anniversary.
