Maineville Lighthouse Church

From the Parsonage… 

         

            Wow!  2022…I can’t believe I’m writing that

date on this article!  It marks the end of another year

and the beginning of a new one!  Hopefully, a better

one than we’ve experienced over the last two years as

we’ve watched the world face a pandemic.  It’s been

a challenge for everyone, individually and corporately. 

Individually, many people have lived in fear, fear for their own health as well that of their family members, fear for their finances, fear of traveling, and even fear of performing their normal, everyday activities.  Corporately, we have watched many companies struggle, cut their hours, or shut down completely due to lack of staff and business.  Many hospitals and medical offices have had to deal with increased numbers of patients and decreased numbers of doctors and nurses.  Even churches have seen their attendance drop as people tried to stay home and stay safe.  And on top of all that, it sometimes seemed the earth itself was in revolt.  The number of fires, floods, earthquakes, and other “natural” disasters has been staggering.  All in all, these haven’t been the best of times.         

            What I’ve found the most disturbing, however, is the air of division that has enveloped our country over the last few years.  Whether it’s differing opinions on the virus, politics, or religion, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such unrelenting and uncompromising attitudes among people who are basically striving for the same thing…peace and prosperity for themselves and their loved ones.  It has affected families, friends, education, and employment, and I truly believe that it has been fueled by Satan himself.  We live in a unique country of freedom, and its very foundation has come under attack in a way never seen before. 

            So what is the point I’m trying to make?  Many people look at all these things and are convinced we are living in the end times the Bible warns us about, and there do seem to be signs of this.  But the Bible is also a history of man, his defeats, triumphs, and eventual salvation.  The times we are living in, though less than perfect, are really nothing new.  All through the scriptures, we see cycles of similar circumstances (and worse) being endured by God’s people,  The one constant is God’s love and forgiveness for those who believe in Him, and seasons of sorrow are often followed by seasons of joy.  That’s what I want us to focus on as we start this New Year of 2022.    

            As hard as it may seem, let’s put the old year behind us and start fresh this January.  Instead of buying into the old “woe is me” mentality, look for something that will refresh your mind and body in a positive manner.  Count your blessings, enjoy your family, surround yourself with good friends, take a walk, join an exercise group, read a good book, look for a Bible study, and get back to church.  I think you’ll find these are the types of things that will change your own attitude about what goes on around you and help you find your joy once again.

            Remember God’s promise.  He is ever faithful.

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Blessings,

Dona

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“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13