As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I have heard many reflections on the rapidly closing year. Some have said it was a groundbreaking year in which they praise God. Others are happy that what they feel was a dismal year is drawing to a close. Interestingly enough, however, both groups look forward to the next year at least hoping for God to do something for them in a mighty way.
Preachers have asked me to pray that they will receive a call from a church this year. Others are hoping for some financial blessing. And still others are hoping for educational achievements. And others are just hoping for some kind of “jay-oh-Bee” to pay for the bills in this era of financial uncertainty.
As we teach and practice resolutions for the coming year, I cannot help but think about the text that the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 4:17. He writes about a God who “who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”
As we look into this new year, we recognize that we can plan, work, and strive to do and be better, but in the end we are nothing without the empowering presence of God. This text reminds us that it is God that gives life to the dead. Those who look back at the past year and see nothing but death can take comfort in the fact that God gives life to the dead.
And finally we can be happy about a God that calls things which are not as though they were. What is it when a human being calls things which “be not as though they were?” We simply call that a lie. However when God calls things “which be not as though they were.” Then a awesome power will be at work in our behalf. So today, I call us who are in that fraternity that is called “preachers” to live into this next year on the creative power of God to do something that we cannot do ourselves. It is time to preach in the power of God. It is time to hope in the power of God. It is time to live in the power of God. And yes it is time to Love in the Power of God.
I pray God’s blessings on you as you seek to live in God’s will this upcoming year. I solicit your prayers for the continued work of Soul Preaching.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
