Wow, a new year is here. For me this past year, things flew by, it seems that just yesterday we were ushering in 2007. But here we are with a new year before us. For me I have an excitement about the future and what it holds. I find there is anticipation in many believers as we wait for what the Lord has in store for His church this year.
Just a few things I feel are making this a exiting year.
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The election.
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We may not know who God will put in power for the next four years but we can look with confidence that God has this election under control. (Romans 13)
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The Economy.
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America may be in for a real hard time financially, I know so many people fearing the future. But we know that in this too — God is in control. For believers we need to be faithful in the little things, good steward of God’s resources, and live by faith as we watch God provide for his children — even if the economy goes south. (Matthew 6:28-34)
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The Church.
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God has been working not just here at High Sierra Fellowship, but around the world. Men and women are coming back to the bible and returning to the basic tenets of our faith. The foolishness of the church growth movement, the word of faith lies, and legalistic religion are all loosing as people come back to Jesus Christ and him Crucified. (1Timothy 4:9-10)
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The Anticipation.
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As I talk with people in the church (at large) and our community there is an anticipation about the future. Anticipation that manifest itself in fear to some, but hope to believers.
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2 Peter 3:11-14 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
My friends, the scriptures tell us to live with the anticipation of the “coming good” Christ’s return. To live lives set apart, lives different from the world, lives looking forward to Jesus return.
What does 2008 hold for you or me? I don’t know but I think this will be another great year for the church, for High Sierra Fellowship, and for true believers around the world.
Blessings and Grace,
Pastor Rich <><