Dear SCC & Friends,
…I will do something new. ~Isaiah 43:19
Reflection #200
The only way to get rid of your past is to make a future of it. God will waste nothing. ~Phillip Brooks~ It’s a new year, and the old cliché echoes, “Out with the old and in with the new.” Yet, it is the old which God has used to give us substance and bring us to this very day. Nothing is to be wasted in our lives… even our regrets. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. ~Romans 8:28 It’s not that all things are good, but all things work together for good in Christ. I am reminded of the words from the classic hymn, “Amazing Grace” …Through many dangers, toils and snares, we have already come… The Lord gives us what we need when we need it. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. ~Ps. 27:13Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do. ~Corrie Ten Boom~
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.~Lam. 3:22-23 RSV Looking back is not to be a misplaced nostalgia but rather a living reminder of all God has done both for us and through those who have gone before us… “the great cloud of witnesses.” …appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. ~Jude 1:3 Long obedience in the same direction doesn’t sound exciting or new… neither does as you’ve received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him… ~Col. 2:7 Yet, it is in the simple things of life that the mystery of faith takes shape. Be faithful in small things, because it is in them your strength lies. ~Mother Teresa~ We have entered a new year, new growth, and new strength. Indeed, He will do something new, and may our hearts never grow old. You were made for these days… Keep up the good work!
Happy New Year,
Kevin