Looking Ahead!

Actor/Comedian, George Burns, at the age of 95, said, “I’ve always felt that people are better off looking ahead than looking back.”  Well, I have to agree with old George. It is always good to look ahead!

The year 2010 brings with it exciting opportunities for us here at Highlawn Baptist Church. As we move into a new year we have to thank God for His faithfulness.

Economically speaking, 2009 was a difficult year for many families around the world. Some lost homes, cars and jobs. Many are unable to fund college educations for their children, and bank accounts have dwindled. What will 2010 bring: movement toward less of everything or toward a more hopeful future? I hope your decision will be a hopeful future. If it is, how do we get there? Who takes us into 2010 and beyond? GOD!

God will. Not me alone. Not you alone. We all will together, with God’s help. The Apostle Paul told the Philippians. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize…” The great baseball legend Satchel Paige, who according to some probably knew Paul, may have been paraphrasing him when he said: “Keep runnin’ and don’t look back, because somebody might catch you.” The journey has never been easy, nor will it ever be easy, but believe this: We Christians will survive the test! Faith, prayer and discipline will bring us victory. Our love for God and the need for worship, discipleship and joyous fellowship will ultimately prevail. God promises to see us through. God, through His Apostle Paul and perhaps through Satchel Paige tells us to “keep on runnin’ the race and don’t give up!” We are the people of God with one purpose—to build the kingdom of God, sharing the good news of His Son Jesus Christ. May this be an exciting year as we seek to do God’s will.

A pastor, upon finishing his New Year’s service one year got his tongue tangled when he announced the closing hymn. He said, “let us all stand a join together in singing ‘Another Dear is Yawning.’”  Let this not be a year of yawning, but let us, with gladsome hearts rise to our feet and sing: “Another Year is Dawning,” celebrating the possibilities and thanking God for the journey.

May you have a Blessed New Year,

Pastor Mark