He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11)." But, oh, how quickly time passes. It's the passage of time that baffles the scientists, brings wonder to small children, and tempers all our spirits. In fact, our time on earth is exceedingly brief — especially when compared with a limitless eternity.
Fear not. You are meant for eternity, dear friend.
Time on earth is temporal and this world definitely is not our spiritual home.
Heaven is our home and we are on our way to the most glorious and indescribable existence as we live forever with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
And yet, the Bible teaches that God created us uniquely and purposefully to "do good things He planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).
There is something supernatural about the first snowfall of the year in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. I was privileged to be in Glacier National Park shooting photography with Nikon legend Bill Fortney and his team from His Light Workshops. And I had the singular opportunity to meet and shoot photography with one of my heroes of the faith, beloved pastor and author, Dr. Charles Stanley. On a blistery cold September morning, snow flurries filling the air, we had just shot along Avalanche Lake Trail and were moving along to Logan Pass and our St. Mary Lodge hotel. We rounded a mountain bend and came upon the most idyllic Christmas card scene — the first snow powdering the fir trees on Going To The Sun Road. An angelic choir heralded our arrival — at least in my mind and heart.
And it reminds me of how the seasons of our life ebb and flow as we journey with God. He leads us into His plans and purposes for us.
So how can we know what to do and which way to go?
Jesus showed us the way —
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-5
To abide means to remain in vital contact with Jesus Christ. Choose intimacy with Jesus over distance and fellowship with Him over casual familiarity. Be a participant with your Lord, not merely an observer.
Your quiet time is vital every single day.
There are three things I always think as we approach a new year. I truly believe these three things are instrumental in helping us live out God's plan for our lives.
All of these things will lead to leaving a spiritual legacy that God will use in the lives of others well beyond your own stay on earth.
So what's your spiritual legacy? What is the message that your life is giving to those around you? Is it a message of power, grace, hope, mercy and joy? Will you spend time with God and grow in your relationship with Him?
These are important questions to ask as we close out one year and brave a new horizon.
My prayer for you, dear friend, is that you will dare to draw near to God, live out His plan and purpose for you, and leave an amazing and life–changing spiritual legacy.
Lord, today we thank You for all You have taught us this last year. We look to You for wisdom and guidance in the upcoming year and ask that You will touch other lives in and through us in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Blessings ♡ Grace
