“Worth Remembering”
Tis the season in which we tend to reminisce as we discuss or try to recreate the days of the past. Most of our traditions are an attempt to hold on to the good feeling we enjoyed or the pleasant memories from days gone by. That is not to say this is all bad just that it’s a fact that this time of the year we get back to our family customs and hold on to our past. Unfortunately, along with the pleasant memories of grandma’s cookies, or the smell of a Christmas tree, or the site of decorations and gifts, there are the memories of a loved one no longer present and things that have been lost. If we aren’t careful in the way we have delt with the issue of grief and bitterness, the entire season can be one of focusing on what we have lost or what we are missing, rather than a renewal we experience from a focus on past blessings.
God has a word for us to help us overcome.
Philippians 4:8 (ESV) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
We really have a choice as to what we are going to are going to hold on to from the past. We can focus on the bad experiences that you might have had as a kid in which you were a bit disappointed in what you received at Christmas. You could focus on a part of your family may no longer be around due to death, distance, or divorce. There can even be a sense of loss as you see what other people have or are doing and focus on what you don’t have.
On the other hand you can use the occasion, by the grace of God to focus on His goodness. The entire Christmas Story of the incarnation of Christ is a display of God’s grace as Jesus, the Savior, stepped into the world to save us from our sins. That is good news and that is worthy of our focus.
Please note that God didn’t suggest this list upon which to focus. He says, “think on these things.” That’s an order and an order that is good for us because as we think on things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, etc. we will have to be focusing on God, His Word, and the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ which in turn is good for us.
Negative thinking and a misplaced focus can ruin this season and every other day of the year if we allow it. That’s why if you are to remember something – here’s something worth remembering:
Psalms 105:4-5 (English Standard Version) 4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.
As you think about parties, family gatherings, and meeting with friends, think about setting the stage by remembering the good things God has done and sharing what He has accomplished in your life in the past year. Watch out! You must be warned that this kind of thing will be contagious and the next thing you will know you could be starting a new tradition because the more people talk about the goodness of God in their lives, the more they will be encouraged which will be something to which they will want to return next year.
If you are going to focus on something in the past make it something worth remembering.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- Bob is the pastor of Christ Community Presbyterian Church, Clearwater, Florida. See www.ccpconline.org for church information and listen to Bob’s latest sermons.
PowerBreak News:
Announcing The Fourth Annual “One Breath From Death – Look What God Can Do” Century Ride on April 4, 2009 @ 7:30a.m. at the Withlacoochee State Trail: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/
We’ll begin at the trailhead, off SR 50 and go North. If you are interested in joining us – either by way of participation, or as a volunteer - please send us an email so we can add you to the list to receive details. The century is in celebration of God sparing Bob Brubaker’s life when he was one breath from death on April 6, 2005. The story can be found on his website: www.bobbrubaker.com.
All tax deductible donations to PowerBreak can be made through Christ Community Presbyterian Church, 2310 Nursery Road, Clearwater, FL 33764. Please note “PowerBreak” on your check.
