If 2020 Were a Scripture Verse
Some days the worldly issues just get to me more than others. Last week I decided I needed to pick myself up. Like most of you, I have "my seat" in the den, and it looks straight at the television. I replaced it with music. Some praise and worship and Rod Stewart's great American songbook that reminds me of my Dad - feel-good music. Then I decided I needed something to look at - a constant reminder of hope. A lit Christmas tree! Mom and Mike agreed. When I told a neighbor and another friend, they loved it and said they would do the same thing. I could feel the difference as we put up the Christmas tree. I look at it, and I smile. It reminds me of Jesus in the room with me. It is not about commercialism; it is about Jesus! It reminds me I have so much to celebrate! It is like a giant billboard with beautiful lights reminding me how much Jesus loves us! 2020 is not going to steal my joy!
I believe if 2020 were a scripture verse, it would be John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.." and stop right there. BUT, the verse continues, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." We have a choice. We can follow Satan, who hates us and has a horrible plan for our life. He is sneaky and deceiving but wants to steal, kill, and destroy. Or we can choose God, who loves us and has a plan for each of us. Jeremiah 29:11, "‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’"
We are told, again, in John 10:8-10, "All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." When I decided to let God guide my life, I had a lot less stress. Oh, I still have tough times, but even during those tough circumstances, I can have an all-knowing joy that God is in control. I cannot mess up when I am holding His hand!
With the house, the car, the boat, and lots of money in the bank, some people think they have an abundant life! But something is lacking, and they want more. Material possessions, fame, popularity, accomplishments, etc. don’t fill the void. Even if our lives are falling apart all around us, we can still have an abundant life because it is not dependent on our circumstances. When we are going through a crisis, what is most important? Our stuff, fear and anxiousness or peace? As Pine Valley United Methodist Church’s Pastor Tim tells us, “We cannot put a price tag on the fruits of the spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.”
God made us to be thirsty and to want more of Him. Psalm 63:1, "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water." Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." When we have Jesus in our life, we have a 24/7 Counselor, Life Coach, Guide, Provider, Physician, and so much more. Abundance is about being rich with or without money! When we have an abundant life, we are content in knowing that God's grace is sufficient! God's favor is unending!
I believe lots of hearts are being changed during this difficult time. People are thirsty for God’s Word and need encouragement. We are seeing most of our Sunday School classes coming back. We have Wednesday night classes gathering, our Confirmands had their service and banquet, our youth are meeting and eating, and the children went to the front with Pastor Tim for the children’s message, and our choir sang Sunday! (All of these include social distancing, of course!) Thanks be to God that PVUMC is that bright light to give people hope! As we see new people every Sunday, let’s show them the love of Jesus. As we do that, we will deepen our love for Christ and one another!