Goodbye 2021, Welcome 2022 – Azusa StreetRiders International

So goes another year goodbye 2021 and for many good riddance, Hello 2022! Holidays are about over, the Christmas tree has been put away, the presents are still stacked up in the corner and the decorations have been gingerly packed away until next year. I know it’s been said we can sometimes forget the meaning of the season with all the hoopla going on around us, at home, church and work. As this holidays is now a memory I would like to stop and remind myself as to the greatest gift the Lord has given not only myself but all of those that have been Baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Ghost. Take OUR salvation coupled with the relationship we have with our Lord how can anyone not cherish that more than anything this world has to offer. I know His gifts are poured out upon us, as unworthy as we are, however I also like to be mindful of the “Stocking Stuffers” or what I consider “Dividends” that the Lord grants us everyday and all year long that we receive being a child of God.

These blessing can vary in range and can come in small or large packages, so to speak. I’m talking here about those things we have a tendency to take for granted or even be overlooked. Events I try to keep an eye opened for in my everyday living. For example not finding your keys after 20 minutes of searching everywhere, only to whisper “Lord please help me find them” and all of a sudden there they are. Pulling into a crowded parking lot and finding a space right by the front door. Maybe a check came in the mail or an unexpected financial blessing. Or perhaps just driving along and out of nowhere the presence of God floods your vehicle and you begin to speak in tongues and know the Lord has just touched your life in a special way.

I don’t know why the Lord had laid this on my heart for the Rumbling’s as an end of year thought, but he has. I just want to say I personally want to be “more mindful” of the blessings that come my way.

The Bible says “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thes 5:18

So one of my goals starting the New Year will be to give thanks for the “Stocking Stuffers” or “Dividends” that come my way all year long and to be diligent in seeking for them in my life. Thanking the Lord always for the good things he has given me.

But what about when we experience hard times?

I know there are those reading this article and shaking their heads because right now your lives are filled with difficulties and more drama than you deserve. You might not feel or see these the blessing I am referring to right now, perhaps you don’t even feel like looking? You are in the midst of the battle, we have all been there, but this to will pass. Be faithful as our Lord has been faithful and as you are drawn out of this valley remember that God loves and knows you well. Sometimes that is the hardest thing to remember that the Lord Jesus Christ knows exactly where we are and what we’re going through.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

So when the Lord does deliver you off the battlefield don’t forget to give God thanks. Our Lord Jesus Christ will be here sooner than we know for his church and in the end it will be worth it all. Do not waver, keep your eye on the prize and that is making it into heaven in one piece. We might be battered, bruised and maybe broken but make it in we need to do. We need to as Paul wrote “Finish the course, and keep the faith” that is out goal. And if I can add an addendum it would be and pick up as many as we can along the way.

God Bless each and every one of you, your families, your pastors and your church. Be safe and we’ll see y’all at the 2022 Regional “Bind The Strongman” event, let’s all make an effort to be at one.