Saturday, December 31, 2011

happy new year!

it really is true that as a person ages, the world spins faster and faster ... i just add my voice to everyone elses' and say 'i can't believe the year has ended' ...

my devotional reading for 2011 was Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest" ... each time i use that devotional - i am challenged in numerous ways to stretch and grow as a believer ... the devotional can be found on www.rbc.org as well ...

i'll close out my 2011 blog post with a shortened version of oswald chambers' last page of the devotional:

You shall not go out with haste, ... for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard"  (Isaiah 52:12)

Security from Yesterday.  God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present.
Security for Tomorrow.  God's hand reaches back to the past, settling all the claims against our conscience.
Security for Today.  Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him ...

blessings on my blog buds - old and new - in 2012 ... may Jesus be your security in all storms - and the centre of all your joys!

10 comments:

Cathy said...

Thanks for that encouraging post, my friend. Wishing you and Leo and blessed, Happy New Year.

Mari said...

Yes - it seems every year is quicker than the one before.
Happy New year to both you and Leo!

Deborah said...

Amen! wishing you a blessed new year too!

Susan said...

My husband gave me a copy of Oswald's My Utmost For His Highest for Christmas 1997. We have read it each and every day, over these past 14 years!!! Wow, that actually shocked me to realize how many years it's been. I've made notes of important things on the date and it is interest to read them as the years go by. Things we might have forgotten when they happened otherwise. The main thing is each year we get deeper insight on things contained in that book. Read January 1st this morning, as we begin year 15!!! This of course is part of our Bible and prayer time. Happy 2012 to you and yours.

Maggie Ann said...

Happy New Year Saija & Leo! I enjoyed the precious devotional you shared from Oswald Chambers. I'm going to have a look around....we just may have a copy of that. Hope you've had a restful day...we had excellent times at church around the Word. And in Sunday Sch. we had the children draw pictures of the lesson and it was so much fun to see their artwork and interest in King Soloman building the temple to worship God in. They blessed my heart...they did, and want to do it again next week, Lord willing. Ahh, 7 year olds are such fun! (most of the time...)=)

David C Brown said...

"my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer ..."

Felisol said...

Dear Saija,
Oh, I am such a slow learner.
62 years and still I go out with haste.
Today I'm getting divine reminders wherever I turn.
I so need the Lord to go before me and to be my rear guard as well.
Thanks. Thanks.

Maggie Ann said...

Morning! I am still in pj's (don't ask what time it is ok?)...but like a good girl have cleaned the kitchen till it shines, and helped mop up floors. Ahh, this retirement is so nice! I hope you are as cozy as we are. If only I could call out for lunch to be delivered...(instead of cooking it..ha ha) the day would be even better. It was 12 degrees here last night, but aside from peeking out the window before bed, we were cozy as could be. We watched an old World War II movie. A stupid romance....to be truthful. We give it a thumbs down...old B&W to boot! Hugs, Knitting Kat

Mrs. Mac said...

Stepping into the invincible future with Him. Very comforting. I pray that you and Leo find warmth and love in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Happy New Year .. dear friend.

xxx Cathy

Anonymous said...

Amen-Jesus is the only security we have. I know it because I live it!