Leaving a 08 and moving into a 09 a moving forward a growing in the Lord

The Bible is both God’s word and God’s sword. To go out into the world with God’s sword unused, lying dormant in its scabbard (i.e., on the shelf), is to gointo the world weak and unprepared. This is not God’s plan for his people at all. God wants his people equipped to impact the world. God wants a people strong in the faith. No one can move forward in God’s will without being equipped by the sword of the Spirit.

God’s word is a miracle we can hold in our hands. Just as God cared for his ancient people in the wilderness by providing manna from heaven, he has provided his word for us today. God’s word, empowered by the Holy Spirit, will give us life and strength. However, a Bible unstudied and unappreciated is manna left on the ground. If God has so graciously left such a miracle for us, the least we could do is go and gather it. And then with joy go out seek a friend or loved-one to accompany us in this blessing.

Bad news is everywhere. All we have to do is turn on TV news, internet news blogs or delve into the political and cultural trends in America. We can listen to so much bad news that it can begin to take over our lives. Why let the world set the pattern for our news assimilation when God has laid out his own precious manna of good news? Why allow the world’s media to mediate the core of our lives. Let God’s word be our media. Where can we go to get good news? The time and place has been ordained by God and can be found at Lake Murray Church. Let 2009 be a new start with new patterns of spiritual health and growth by the grace of God. This is God’s plan and his will. Bring your Bible and get ready to dig deep into God’s word. Seek out a friend or loved-one and encourage them to come with you. That’s God’s will as well.