Happy New Year! LOVE...PEACE...AND HAIRGREASE!

If I had to sum up 2008 in one sentence, I would use the classic line of Charles Dickens classic work, A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times...” On one hand, the inauguration of Barak Obama as the 44th President of the United States will signal an era of change in this country and hope for the world and prayerfully elevate the trajectory of our children’s dreams forever. However, on the other hand, the global recession, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the proliferation of AIDS and genocide in Africa and on the streets of America has birthed spirits of Fear and Worry about our future that have rocked our confidence and shaken our psyche.

Just turn on the evening news, surf the internet or read a newspaper. Consumer confidence is at an all-time low this holiday season due to rising unemployment, tight credit and the crash of the housing market. Bankruptcies and foreclosures are soaring. Institutions that once lent money are going broke or are looking for bailouts themselves. Energy and food prices are consuming more and more of the family paycheck. And no matter what President Bush tried to say, the country slid from a recession into a “depression.” And while Wall Street and the Big Three receive bailouts, you and I have witnessed our 401k plans and investment portfolios dwindle with the rise and fall of the stock market. And with hours remaining in 2008, some of you are asking the question, “When will this year ever end?

And while millions watch on TV or stand in Time Square as the “infamous” crystal ball drops, the last thing you want to do is rejoice. But it is in these times that we should rejoice the most because your access to God’s favor, God’s grace and God’s mercy are not contingent upon how much money you have in your back account, what kind of car you drive, who you work for or how big your house is. God’s love is based upon your relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s why beloved, while serving house arrest in Rome, Paul exhorts the Philippians with the words, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)

Did you catch what Paul didn’t say? He didn’t say, “Rejoice and everything is going to be OK.” He didn’t say, “Rejoice and instantly the pain of losing a loved one would go away.” He says, “Despite what’s happening in your life --- Rejoice!” Beloved, we need to know that the joy of the Lord is so powerful; it can overcome the worst situation. And no matter what is going on in your life right now, you need to remember that you are so special that Jesus came to die for you.

Paul understood the joy of the Lord. History tells us that Roman imprisonment was not a cushy, country club retreat. Roman prison was awful. And while Paul’s house arrest was less severe than custody in a state or even a city jail, he still was shackled to a guard and subject to a great deal of shame and the abandonment by family members, friends, and close associates. However, despite his circumstances, prison marked some of the most productive moments of Paul’s ministry. Paul could have wilted under the strain of prison; but Paul understood that inertia is not in God’s will. He could have lost hope. He could have held a pity-party or given into the bitterness that comes with grief and pain. He could have gotten angry and blamed God for what was going on in his life for it was his work to spread the Gospel that caused his numerous incarcerations, exile and stoning. However, Paul kept his mind on Christ and as a result, his ministry, his creativity and his productivity flourished.

All of us have been given “gifts and graces” that could bless someone. That is why Paul says in verse 5, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” In 2009, my challenge to you and to myself is to live a life worthy of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Stop making excuses of what you don’t have and what you can’t do. Yes, you got yourself in debt but you don’t have to stay there. Yes, your body might be failing but your mind and mouth still work. Therefore, call someone today and tell them that Jesus loves them. Yes, you might not be able to do like you use to but as long as you are breathing and in your right mind, God can still use you. Stop telling yourself that “You’re too old or you’re too young.” Yes, you can live the life you always wanted. Yes, you can live in the favor and under the authority of the Holy Spirit. Yes, you can live debt free. Yes, you can find love. Yes, you can live your past down. Don’t waste time thinking about negative thoughts or dealing with negative people.

Volunteer with an organization, mentor a child or become politically active to change your community. Regularly study the Word and connect with a Christ-focused Bible study. Stop riding the bench ---- and “get in the game.” Join a church that challenges you to grow spiritually. Surround yourself with positive people that affirm you and push you to be the best that you can be. Live an active and healthy lifestyle. Let you gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

In closing, I wish you a Happy and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless you, favor you and heal your brokenness. Continue to pray for me. I will continue to pray for you.

Until, we talk again in 2009 --- LOVE...PEACE...AND HAIRGREASE!