Twenty-20 has been quite a year.
A pandemic. Economic upheaval. Political unrest. Social, cultural and racial disharmony.
Indeed, 20-twenty has been quite the year.
It can be easy to fall prey to seeing the year as one to just survive and quickly forget.
Still, with 365 sunrises and sunsets of opportunity, and in spite of its concomitant pain, I have to believe that the year affords more than just surviving but thriving.
See. Evaluate. Appreciate. Respond.
As the name implies, the Book of Lamentations is a compendium of laments from the heart of God’s people during the time of exile, after the destruction of everything they had come to know, expect and hold dear.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV
Such perspective is incredibly inspiring and equally challenging. To have and then lose everything. Great is your faithfulness?
Clearly, the relationship the writer had with their God transcended the obvious.
See. Evaluate. Appreciate. Respond.
God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. – Lamentations 3:22-23, MSG
What an incredible year, filled with unimaginable opportunities for giving thanks.
Categories: Christian Christianity Community coronavirus
Pastor Mark
Mark, the eighth of nine children born to Reuben and Henrietta Meeks—dedicated church planters with nearly 30 congregations established across California’s Central Valley—is a preacher's kid who grew up immersed in faith and service. With over forty years of experience teaching, discipling, and ministering to communities, including the hospitalized and incarcerated, Mark responded to God's call to pastoral ministry. He holds degrees in civil engineering and public administration, as well as a Master’s in Theology from Fuller Seminary, equipping him to serve with both practical insight and spiritual depth.
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And to these themes: Seeing, Evaluating, Appreciating and Responding, we are given a choice to be present with Him. To be “AWOKE;” physically, mentally, spiritually to Him.
He spoke light into existence (Gen 1:3), and there was a new day- “opportunities.” He breaths life into dead things (Ezekiel 37:1-6)- “opportunities.” So, in each and every day there’s opportunities to see, measure, appreciate, and give thanks to Him; each and everyday no matter what it looks or feels like.
We are reminded in 1 Cor 2:9 that we have not seen, nor heard, nor could we imagine what God has prepared for those (us) who love Him. What an expectancy! What an opportunity!
Psalms 100: 1-5 tells us that His love is forever and He’s faithful to generations. He keeps His promises!!!
Our part– is to hold on (in faith), hang-in (endurance), and above all, Trust God (relationship)!
It has been an incredible year, filled with unimaginable opportunities for giving thanks, and deepening our relationship with Him.
We’ve been restricted from going many places. Except going to, and spending time with Him.
See. Evaluate. Appreciate. Respond.
“Be still and know that I Am GOD.”
-Psalms 46:10, ESV
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