“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 NJKV
We are entering, thank God, into a new year. In a few hours we will say goodbye to another year and take some stock, vowing to do better in looking back on all the things we wanted to do but failed to do. Yet if we are not hasty, we might appreciate the not a few completed, the separations that have lightened us and the encounters that have enriched us. I hope to be one of these. I don't know how long you have been reading my weekly meditations, but with fraternal joy I share with you that this is a journey that began in 2015. So we are bringing home the tenth turn. And I am sincerely honored to have you as a reader. Nothing can make me more proud than to be in some way a modest instrument in the Lord's field for the edification of his believers. And so it is that week after week through food for thought and testimony I strive to encourage faith and strengthen the Spirit's pursuit of action in the lives of those who read me. To stimulate the reading of the Bible, I always enclose an intensive reading plan that allows one year to go through the whole of Scripture in its entirety. I hope to count you among those who will dare to carve out time daily.
In days where the attention of many is focused exclusively on the tables to be set, the observance of this or that tradition, the consumption of one food rather than another, the choice of guests or location, the believer is vocated to a different attitude, at least a balanced one, in the awareness of being “salt of the earth and light of the world.” In full freedom, let each one strive to perform actions and make decisions that can bring glory to God. Well aware that it is not what goes into the belly that defiles, but rather what comes out of the mouth (and heart), may these days be representative of the Christian faith, for from the same source cannot come forth the sweet and the bitter (James 3:11). He who has chosen Christ, allowing him to dwell in the manger of his heart, knows that “not by bread alone shall he live,” and that of the continual he must seek “the goods above.” I urge you not to be carried away by the spasmodic desire to appear, having, doing and saying. Whoever is in a position to do good do it in respectful silence, glorifying God for the chance he has had. On the other hand, let those who receive good not feel humiliated or offended, rather let them glorify God for giving someone the opportunity to do it for them. All this projects us into the new calendar year with the desire to continue doing everything to the glory of God.
Life has painfully taught me that it will not be our hopes that will keep sorrows away. The best and most sincere ritual wishes will not be enough to give meaning or motivation to those who are suffering or struggling against an evil or injustice, those who are drowning in the tears of sorrow, those who have nothing left or find themselves all alone. Only His words can warm the cold heart, console the dejected soul, open a glimmer, chart a path. It is they, the only ones who have no time limits, who prompt me to pray for those in difficulty and to bless God for those who have given up their lives to make others' lives a little better. How many are in need of support are truly many. I thank God for those who have surrounded me with their love, from the intimate to the distant, for those who have supported me in my various projects, for those who have collaborated with me in ministry and activities, for the large spiritual family and the retainers who still toil in His work, and for those who have found benefit through one of my books. For this I hope to find the energy and resources to give birth to new publications.
Not forgetting what the year that is drawing to a close has been, and turning my eyes to the coming year, I raise a loving supplication to the Father of all mercy for you and your loved ones that He may assist and guide you, clothed in His infinite grace and granting you a measure overflowing with His Spirit, so that you will not be in the grip of anxiety or victims of fear. Have a powerful and blessed year in the Lord!
Weekly Bible Reading Plan #1
January 01, Genesis 1-3; Matthew 1
January 02, Genesis 4-6; Matthew 2
January 03, Genesis 7-9; Matthew 3
January 04, Genesis 10-12; Matthew 4
January 05, Genesis 13-15; Matthew 5:1-26
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