Reaching Forth

2001 All Things New 2002

But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things which are before.

Phil. 3: 14

Today is the last day of 2001 and the last day of the year

to thank God for his many blessings given to us daily. Each

day of 2001 was an opportunity to praise and worship the

Lord in 'spirit and in truth'. Each day brought new

opportunities to reach the lost for Christ. Tomorrow begins

a new day and year in Christ's service. How we will use

the time given is our choice. We will each answer for how

we use the time given us, and are told to

"redeem the time because the days are evil."

Eph. 5:16

At midnight tonight, many people will "ring in the New Year"

as they celebrate with family and friends. For many, it will

be a time of recalling the events of the past year and

looking forward to what life holds in 2002. There are many

New Year's resolutions which will be made today. The Lord

wants us to feel his burden for souls and the end-time

harvest. This is to be our desire as servants of the Lord and

is pleasing to the Father. God desires us to bless him by

being his hand outstretched to fallen man, his feet to carry

the Gospel of peace, and his mouthpiece to proclaim there is

freedom in the Father and his plan of salvation. May we see

a lost and dying world through the Father's eyes.



We have seen many events this year take place across the

world. The one which we will never forget is the events of

9-11-2001. As a result of this tragic day our society

changed forever. It seems the security of our Nation was

not as secure as we had believed. Those who gave their lives

will be remembered as we enter into the new year and hope

for better days ahead. The many workers who helped during

this time in the rescue efforts are also remembered as they

showed forth compassion and love for those involved in this

tragedy and their families.

May we also uphold our Government with prayers as we ask

the Lord for his protection and help for our Nation in the

coming days. We are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem as

well as other Nations. We can rest in God's love and know

he will keep us safe in Him. Our times are in his hands and

we can rest secure in the knowledge that God already knows

everything we will face and is always there. There is no

reason for unrest as we can have peace just in knowing that

God is always there. The peace of God cannot be bought for

any price and is worth more than silver or gold. It only

comes by having a right spirit in the Lord, obedience, and

having our minds stayed upon Him. This peace will help us

keep an 'attitude of gratitude', and show forth God's love

even in the midst of the many trials and tribulations while on

this earth. We should press forward and reach for those

things which are before us. There are many souls in the

harvest of the Lord which not only need to hear about God's

love, but need to see God's love in action. May we heed his

call and share God's love with others in the coming year.



May your joy be full, your days be blessed, and your spirit

be lifted as you look to Him. May each day bring new

opportunities to share Jesus and feel his presence in your

heart and life.

                           Wishing you a Happy New Year

and

blessings in Christ,
Jo Ann

J. P.'s Inspirations (c) 2001



"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as

the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be

troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14: 27

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." ll Cor. 5: 7