The Kingdom Come

Well here is my obligatory New Year's message. Typically, such a message is supposed to be full of platitudes and overly optimistic ideas. We're supposed to talk about the blessings of the previous year and the hope for the dawning.

But are we naive to think the new year will be any different than the previous if we do nothing different? This is where we are usually urged to make a resolution; a resolution to do or not do something in the new year.

My personal resolutions are in part the following:

1. Seek out more ethical and uplifting influences. (1 Cor 15:33)
2. Direct my efforts toward specific projects.

Hopefully I can follow through with my resolutions.

On other issues, 2012 promises to be an interesting year. In the United States there will be a major presidential election that could very well decide the future of this country. I know that is often said of every presidential election, but this one is particularly important because just like the changes during the "New Deal" era of the 1930s, 2012 is rounding out to be a potential ideological change in America that much like the policies enacted during the New Deal; will be difficult if not impossible to undo. Therefore, the 2012 presidential election is going to be momentous.

Also in 2012 is the hype about the "end of world" revolving around the Mayan Calendar. Some people are no doubt anxious of that.(Philippians 4:6)

But as if often the case, these times pass without as much impact as assumed. It is most often the unpredictable events that come and are remembered. At any rate and now finally; YES pray that coming year will be filled with God-glorifying situations and new opportunities to advance the kingdom! Happy New Year!