12/27/2016
December 27, 2016
THINGS UNDONE
TO DO OR NOT TO DO?
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended;
but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and
Reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14
Facing the end of another trip around the sun… a New Year begins in just 4 days. What is left undone in 2016? Did you fulfill all your resolutions from last January 1st? Is your “To Do List” got all the items crossed off- finished? You are a better a person than most of us if you answered yes!
My wife Zee and I reared 4 children, who are not adults with their own children. Challenges face families in the arena of child rearing. Today modern philosophy gives a total different look at life than when most of us were coming along. Let me short list a few of the “To Do” things in my life and see if you can identify?
1. I was to listen and obey my mother and father. Sooner rather than later when I felt like it!
2. I was to treat my brothers and sister with respect and being the oldest, protect them from any danger.
3. I was expected to be with my family at all family functions:
a. Supper followed by evening prayer
b. Attending all worship services at our local church.
c. Bed-time was expected at a given time.
4. I was to do my best at anything and everything…. Conduct, grades, and attitude all mattered!
Do you see a trend in the above? The “To Do” list was all about the importance of relationships.
The “Not To Do” list was important as well:
1. Never LIE!
2. Never STEAL!
3. Never disrespect an adult.
4. Never say “CAN’T – for can’t never did do anything (Quote from my father)!
5. Never use the Lord’s Name in vain, nor say any curse/profane words; My Father would say: “After all, that is why you are going to school- to learn how to talk!”
Do you notice a trend? Yes, my folks reared us in light of living a wholesome, giving, productive life. But #1 was? Relationship! Relationship with God and with each other and with our neighbors!
Regarding your list for 2016… Be like Paul, “this ONE THING I do…..”
PRAYER:
Father God, I am watching the sun You created rise in glorious gold this morning. The Light overpowers the clouds and darkness of night. Thank You for reminding me that Your Light overcomes all darkness and clouds in my life today… in Jesus Name, Amen!
Worship Music: https://youtu.be/z9UB5U7kSec
BEHOLD – (THEN SINGS MY SOUL) – Hill Song