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Abram looked up at the stars. In the wilderness in the Middle East on a clear night the stars stretch from horizon to horizon. A person can see stars beyond stars. God told Abram to count the stars. Abram said that they were too numerous. God said, “So shall your descendants be.” Abram “believed in the LORD” and God regarded that belief as righteousness (Gen. 5:6). Over 2000 years later Paul was to refer to this occasion as the perfect example of how we must live (Gal. 3:6). He then stated, “Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham” (Gal. 3:7). So, those innumerable descendants of Abram aren’t just Israelites, but also all who share his faith.
When we have faith in God, then his grace works miracles in our lives. By faith in God’s grace we are born again, and by faith in God’s grace his Spirit works through us in our daily lives.
Our theme for 2009 will be, “Life of Faith.” There are many uncertainties facing us this year. But there are some certainties. God is great, wise and loving. That’s an unbeatable combination. Think about it. If just one of those qualities was missing, we’d have reason to worry. But since God has those three qualities without limit, then there is nothing to worry about as long as we live by faith in his grace.
Living by faith in God’s grace is intangible, and we are tangible creatures. So we need tangible things to help us with an intangible thought process. Some of those things are the church, the Bible, sermons, music, Sunday School classes and the fellowship of other Christians. Come to church and we’ll help you live a life of faith in 2009. You’ll find yourself worrying less and joyfully accomplishing things of eternal importance through God’s grace. The life of faith will change your private life, your family life, your school life and your work environment. Let’s live lives of faith in 2009! It will be awesome!
I pray that 2009 will be the Year of Faith as you learn to live by total faith in God’s great grace.
With love in Christ, Dr. Jim Meek
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