It is no secret that we are living in uncertain times these days.  But when one looks at history, uncertain times are the most common experience of the human family, and peaceful times have been rare.  The advantage of tough times is that we become increasingly aware of things that matter most.  In times like these, you find out that true friendship is worth much more than material possession, and that building your life’s foundation on God is the only guarantee of a life that doesn’t get blown away by storm. In other words, we here in the Church family have an absolutely great opportunity in the coming days; to bring people “home” to the place that matters most.  To bring them to connection with Jesus Christ, the one that loves them most of all.  

In order to do that, we have to genuinely stay in touch with Christ ourselves.  So, this next year, we are diving into the word more than ever, staying in close relationship with Jesus and His word to us, and taking comfort from Him each and every day.  There are amazing plans afoot for the new year, starting from the very beginning, but I want you to start right now, by beginning a daily time in the word using a method I described in the  November 16 sermon titled “Rock Band.”  By utilizing a form of music that helps you feel peaceful, and to concentrate, you will be amazed what happens to your devotional time.  Perhaps you’ve never been able to develop a devotional time before; I guarantee if you try this, exactly as I am describing it, you’ll never have to look for motivation again to pick up the word.  Here’s what you do:

1.  Get either a download or a “hardcopy” CD of  “Solitudes” production called “Sleep Deeply.”  It is described as “Dan Gibson’s Solitudes, Sleep Deeply.”  I haven’t found anything yet that works as well.  I’m in a search though, and I’ll let you know when I find something.