My Favorite Activity in 2019

Kahori asked me yesterday what some of my favorite activities and events were from 2019.  We talked a lot about the trips we had taken, about family times together, and about significant growth points in church. But this morning I’m reminded that my favorite activity this year has been my daily meeting with God in His Word.

One of my goals each year is to read through the Bible.  Every day includes a chapter or two from the Old Testament, a chapter from the Psalms, and a chapter from the New Testament.  Almost without fail, something sticks out to me after reading the three chapters.  There’s usually something that hits me as significant for the day.  Plus, when I read God’s Word, it reminds me of who’s in charge of my day and who I can depend on.  God is watching over me and loves me.

Psalm 119:1-2 says,  “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”  This year I want to be blessed more, so I will continue the habit of going to God’s Word and accepting His love and following His ways.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  If that’s true, and I believe it is, then God’s Word is alive for me today.  God speaks to me through my reading.  God’s “voice” is loudest when I read His words that He already wrote to me.

Today I read the last chapter of Revelation, chapter 22.  I was reminded of Jesus’ love for me and that one day He will return for me and take me to Heaven.  “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” (22:12-14).  Jesus has “washed my robe” and prepared me for heaven by forgiving my sins by His grace.  Thank you Lord!  I look forward to reading your Word in this coming year as I anticipate your quick return.
‭‭

Perseverance Brings Joy

This Christmas break we took our family up to the mountains for some snow hiking. (Ray Benson Sno-Park on the Santiam pass).  It was a great day!  The snow was fresh and powdery, the weather was good, and, of course, having the family together was wonderful.  We even sat on a snow covered log and ate our lunch!  (Eating lunch on our hikes is an Elmer family tradition.)

But as I think back and ponder our wonderful snow hiking day, I realize that it didn't come easy.  We planned ahead for the date, communicated with each other for ideas, packed a lunch, got out the snow clothes, rented the snowshoes, and then drove 2 hours each way to make it happen.  It was a lot of work, actually.  We didn't think about it as work.  It was all a delightful adventure.  Nevertheless, it took perseverance.  In fact, on the drive up the mountain we thought we could find snow lower down on the mountain, and hence, a shorter drive.  But such was not the case.  We had to drive all the way up to the summit to find enough snow.  So, at one point, I was tempted to complain about how far the drive was.  But I persevered and didn't complain, even though I felt like it.  (We don't have to behave like we feel!, one of my mentors would always say.)  So when we got out into the snow I gladly declared, "It was worth the drive!"

Many things in life are like that... they take perseverance.  In fact, most things that we enjoy take some form of investment, sacrifice and perseverance.  Whether it's family events, career accomplishments, or even ministry at church... the greatest achievements usually involve staying the course.

The Bible reminds us about this value in many places:

James 1:2-4...  "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Romans 5:2-4... "...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

James 1:12... "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Proverbs 24:16... "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity."

In the coming year, 2020, I want to persevere MORE than I did in 2019.  I want my life to count for God and for Heaven more than it did last year.  I'm praying already that God will give me His strength by the power of the Holy Spirit, to follow Him with intense love and faithfulness.