Update and Prep for 2011

If you are a regular reader of our blog you know we have taken a bit of a vacation over the holiday months. I would like to take a few moments to share a few thoughts and give everyone an idea of what to expect from our little devotional site in 2011.

Kim and I are very thankful for many blessings in 2010 but none could possibly compare to the blessing of our new baby! The little one is scheduled to appear on the world stage in June of 2011. God has richly blessed us! Many of our friends know we experienced a miscarriage during the summer and had to let go of the hopes and dreams we had for one of our children as God called him/her to Heaven before we got the chance to meet him (or her) on earth. We are thankful God has given us another child to know and enjoy here on earth!

We are both thankful for our family, friends and other readers we have not had the pleasure to meet. I apologize for not giving all of you advanced notice of our little sabbatical from writing. I hope the devotional articles will be useful as you seek to follow Christ in 2011. I will return to writing regularly on Monday, January, 3rd. I will write Monday-Thursday and Kim will occasionally fill in on Friday. On those days when I don't have something to publish, or have no time to write, I will link other devotional sites or articles which have been meaningful to me.

We are looking forward to a productive, fun and exciting 2011. We are very thankful for everyone who will choose to walk the year with us through our blog/devotional site!

James

Hope For The Holidays

"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." -- Jeremiah 29:11

The above verse begs the question, "Do you believe God?" Do you really believe God intends to give you hope (an expectation of good) and a future? Many people read a verse like this one and give mental ascent to the idea of what it says without ever embracing the truth of it into their heart. God genuinely has a good future in store for each of us and this future begins on earth not Heaven!

God tells us in Psalm 100:5, "God is good and His love endures forever." Jesus speaks of God's goodness in Matthew 7:11 and teaches us that it is God's goodness which leads Him to give good gifts to His children. Regardless of how our current circumstances look, we can always be assured of God's goodness and good intentions for us; God has a future planned for each of His children and it includes good things. This, of course, does not mean life will always be a bed of roses. But it does mean we can always have hope for a light at the end of any dark tunnel in which we are currently walking. After all, Jesus did tell us in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

The Christmas season is a hard time of the year for many people. Some of you guys may have lost loved ones in the past year, lost a job or experienced some other kind of heartache and the pain of your current circumstances may be amplified by the holidays. If you are one of the hurting this Christmas season, I hope you will take God's Word to heart and be encouraged during the difficult month ahead. Look to God's Word, believe it and take it deep into your heart. Although you may be experiencing temporary trials and troubles this is not the end! Jesus has hope and a future for you! God is good, loves you and has many good things with which to bless your life! Hold on! Life will get better!

James