What's the first thing you feel about 2016?
Or perhaps like me, you haven't even wrapped your head around 2015!
If you are kinda hazy about 2015; it's totally understandable.
We had the worst haze ever which made us wonder how our neighbourly relations will be in the days ahead. Our ruling party swept back into power and we wonder if it will be more of the same. To our North, while some are cashing in on the Ringgit's falling value, we know that an unstable situation will hurt us for we have trade ties for water, chicken and vegetables! Moving outwards, the larger world was on fire with violence, earthquakes and mass migrations. A news commentary says the more than million refugees flooding into Europe will redefine her forever. The USA Supreme court legalised gay marriages introducing obsolescence to our standard notion of 'family'.
The Straits Times calls it Epic Change & Upheaval.
It is clear that our world will never be the same again. What has changed still waits to unfold.
On the home lawns, I was deeply saddened to hear a young woman tell me about a divorce lawyer sweeping her arm across the vast shelves behind her to point out how many divorce cases she handles. Friends tell me they are struggling to find work. Parents raising children are wondering what 21st century-skills they need.
The word 'hurtling' keeps coming back to me.
What does one do when things seem to be moving inexorably, whizzing by and you are barely clutching on for dear life?
I reach for something that will hold on to me in case my holding on isn't strong enough.
Jesus tells us to trust because -
"I am going to prepare a place for you" ~v2
" I will come back and take you to be with me" ~ v3
"I am the way, the truth and the life.." ~v6
"You may ask for anything in my name, and I will do it" ~v14
"..the Father will give you.. to be with your forever - the Spirit of truth" ~v16
The comfort, assurance and strength we have lies in:
* a promise of a certain future
* a way to get there
* provision along the way
*help we need for the journey; to know the truth and live in it.
Wow.
Notice that last bit: do not be afraid.
O yes, we are so easily frightened. Will prices go up? Will their grades drop? Will my work be received? Can we maintain our lifestyle? Will terrorists make it to our shores? Will Singapore continue to prosper? Will my heart give up?
Don't; don't be afraid.
For fear holds us hostage and makes us less than who we are. Instead, let us drink deep of the peace and comfort given; so like the Psalmist we can say,
This is what I need for 2016. What about you?
Friends, an old song to start your new year off on the right note?
My Peace I Give To You - Jesus {click to enjoy}
Or perhaps like me, you haven't even wrapped your head around 2015!
If you are kinda hazy about 2015; it's totally understandable.
We had the worst haze ever which made us wonder how our neighbourly relations will be in the days ahead. Our ruling party swept back into power and we wonder if it will be more of the same. To our North, while some are cashing in on the Ringgit's falling value, we know that an unstable situation will hurt us for we have trade ties for water, chicken and vegetables! Moving outwards, the larger world was on fire with violence, earthquakes and mass migrations. A news commentary says the more than million refugees flooding into Europe will redefine her forever. The USA Supreme court legalised gay marriages introducing obsolescence to our standard notion of 'family'.
The Straits Times calls it Epic Change & Upheaval.
It is clear that our world will never be the same again. What has changed still waits to unfold.
On the home lawns, I was deeply saddened to hear a young woman tell me about a divorce lawyer sweeping her arm across the vast shelves behind her to point out how many divorce cases she handles. Friends tell me they are struggling to find work. Parents raising children are wondering what 21st century-skills they need.
The word 'hurtling' keeps coming back to me.
: to move rapidly or forcefullytransitive verb
What does one do when things seem to be moving inexorably, whizzing by and you are barely clutching on for dear life?
I reach for something that will hold on to me in case my holding on isn't strong enough.
"do not let your hearts be troubled...trust in God..." ~ John 14
Jesus tells us to trust because -
"I am going to prepare a place for you" ~v2
" I will come back and take you to be with me" ~ v3
"I am the way, the truth and the life.." ~v6
"You may ask for anything in my name, and I will do it" ~v14
"..the Father will give you.. to be with your forever - the Spirit of truth" ~v16
The comfort, assurance and strength we have lies in:
* a promise of a certain future
* a way to get there
* provision along the way
*help we need for the journey; to know the truth and live in it.
Wow.
 |
| in any language, we need it |
Jesus reminds us,
"Peace I leave with you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" ~v27
Notice that last bit: do not be afraid.
O yes, we are so easily frightened. Will prices go up? Will their grades drop? Will my work be received? Can we maintain our lifestyle? Will terrorists make it to our shores? Will Singapore continue to prosper? Will my heart give up?
 |
| my fear of heights holds me back from one of these! |
Don't; don't be afraid.
For fear holds us hostage and makes us less than who we are. Instead, let us drink deep of the peace and comfort given; so like the Psalmist we can say,
"I will have no fear of bad news; my heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." ~ 112v7
This is what I need for 2016. What about you?
Friends, an old song to start your new year off on the right note?
My Peace I Give To You - Jesus {click to enjoy}
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