The Preacher's Pen

2002 - it's almost over! Can you believe it? Maybe it would help if we'd stop and realize just how few days are left in the year. As I write this there are nineteen days left. Just nineteen! Where has all the time gone? Why, it seems like only yesterday that we were ringing in a new year, hanging up new calendars and trying to remember to date checks "02" instead of "01". And now, just when we've gotten used to that, it's time to learn how to write "03"!

More importantly, let's stop and consider the year from a spiritual perspective. What have you done for God this year? Are you a better Christian than you were in 2001? Do you know more of God's word this year? Is your attendance better? What about that big list of resolutions you made last year? Are you controlling your temper better? Showing more concern for your spouse? Making time to read and study the Book? Getting your lesson for every Bible class? In short, are you better for having been granted 2002, or worse?

Furthermore, now is an excellent time to start thinking about the new year. What will 2003 hold for you? What kind of resolutions will you make, and which ones will you be willing to keep? We have had wonderful Gospel meetings this year and a great Lectureship. Will 2003 find you practicing the things we learned in those great spiritual feasts?

Shouldn't we also ask what kind of year 2003 will be for Westside? Lord willing, we should make the move into new quarters in the new year. Are you ready to go to work like never before? No more excuses about "I'd ask but there is no place for my friends to sit" or "People can't find a place to park." We're building a larger place because we are convicted of the need to bring the Gospel to more people and because we believe that Gospel will convict sinners of their need to come to Christ. But who will carry the Gospel in 2003? What is your role here at in the work at Westside? Will we go forward, pressing the boundaries of God's kingdom ever outward, or will we shrink into oblivion? The answer to that question will largely depend on how each individual member lives this new year. An attitude that says "other's will take care of it" will destroy us. What will be your attitude in 2003? 2003. A fresh 365 days. How will you use them in the service of God? Take some time now to take a spiritual inventory, do some serious thinking, and make some real resolutions. Let's make 2003 a great year!