Do not be deceived into believing that everything is dark and gloomy!
We much too often live as if we are called to carry the weight of all the world’s troubles and challenges. Add to our times of real grief, loss and anxiety also the impact of the cynicism and negativity of a culture which does not expect any solutions or answers form God. Add to all of this the warnings of economists and politicians with terrible track records and media that thrive on sensation, believing that bad news is great business - and we may be tempted to be blind for the complete and absolute reality where God sits on the throne of the universe and Jesus is eternal King and Provider!
It sometimes feels as if there is one big conspiracy to make the weight we carry unbearable. If it does feel like that, now at the beginning of 2009, listen to these inspired words of James 1: 16 – 17:
“Don't be deceived my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows”.
We are warned: Don't be deceived by cynicism and negativity. Do not believe the world that evil is out of control and nobody can help you! Do not be caught up in the doom and gloom coming from those who are blind for the gifts of God!! Pray for opened spiritual eyes that appreciate “every good and perfect gift from above, coming down from the Father” . There are lots of good and beautiful experiences in life and it is neither by random nor by chance. It comes from an unchanging gracious, merciful and good God!
Excitement about 2009 comes from the Father who made the heavenly lights: sun, moon, and stars! These awe inspiring creations of God show us stability, beauty, light and life and our God is the Father, the Creator, of these comforting, warm and beautiful “lights”. Just as his created lights, God is also much more than a “shifting shadow” – in other words, nothing. He is Creator, Sustainer and unchanging Provider of every good gift!
Therefore – never be deceived! Never become a victim of the propaganda of evil that everything is spinning out of control. Look at the great works of God in the sky and remember how great is your God! He is in control, he rules and he reigns – and he gives us every good and perfect gift!
We are much too often deceived into carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders, in stead of venturing into a new year with the certain knowledge that the “Father of the heavenly lights” stands ready to provide us with every good, perfect, exciting gift we need in order to embrace our opportunities and with much joy and faith worship the Giver, the Provider, the Protector of us all!
The deception that all is bad and sad aims at stopping us to live with godly inspiration! The Gospel of Christ is aimed at mobilising each one of us to become living testimonies of God’s gifts of salvation, love, assurance, mercy and hope!!
Take heart - our God is in control, and you are in his hands this year!!!
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