By: Craig Rippy


Another year has nearly slipped by. I am sure you feel like you have grown more secure in your relationship with Christ. You have spent many mornings or evenings reading the Bible and in prayer. The doors of the church building didn't fail to swing open each time you came to Bible Study. Priorities continued to change to allow more time in service of the King. The Holy Spirit has had an easier time producing His fruit in you and you have recognized the change as well as others close to you. Several family members and friends have heard the Gospel pass over your lips. Countless brothers and sisters in Christ have found your presence encouraging to their faith.

The year has gone by so fast and the speed of it sobered your thinking and caused you to reflect more upon Kingdom business than your own interests. You've prayed more earnestly for the lost, gave more freely to supply more ministry opportunity across the world, and committed more time to eternal goals than temporal.

I am sure I have been accurate in my appraisal of you. God is so much more important to you now than when you first believed. You understand more profoundly the price paid to redeem you from sin's grip. Your concern for all people to have what you have is such a deep yearning that you can't seem to contain yourself, but seek opportunities to share the Good News with family, friends, and acquaintances. Matter of fact, you initiate conversations with strangers just to open communication in hopes you can tell them about Jesus.

Wow, 2005 has become a turning point from which you will never forget. You finally got the nerve to tell your loved one about eternal life in Christ. Although, they may not have accepted Jesus yet, you aren't carrying around the guilt of not telling them. God's Spirit had been convicting you of that silence for years and now you are at peace. Praise God!

Also, you have made goals for next year already, no, not just a New Year's Resolution, but real goals as a Kingdom servant. You have several folks you want to talk to about God's salvation. You want to be available to serve the needs of needy brothers and sisters. You are making Sunday School, Sunday evening Church, and Wednesday Bible Study attendance a priority. Church is going to be about others not just about your own growth. You've decided to be encouraging to the congregation and wait for Jesus expectantly with your Church family. Reading your Bible and Prayer time will be more productive. The armor of God will be a permanent garment. And, the old serpent will not defeat you, by drawing you back into the same old faithless habits.

You know more than ever why God sent His Son. You understand why the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Your thoughts reflect upon the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection more often then ever before.

Tears seem to flow easily as you think of the sacrifice made for you. When they sing the invitation song at Church, you're in prayer for those who need to accept Christ. You greatly rejoice when another person is Baptized and you cannot wait to greet the new Christian after services.

Truly, you feel that time is flying by. The speed by which it goes causes' you to serve God more diligently. Yet, you're happy time is passing, because you eagerly await eternity with your Lord. What Paul said is very much upon your mind, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." (Phil 1:21-24 - NIV) Yes, you continue on knowing God has a purpose for you, but you want to enjoy the eternal presence of Jesus.