Why Celebrate New Year?

I'm not crazy about watching the ball fall in Times Square--I'm usually tired and my pragmatic side takes over saying, "go to bed!" But, I do plan to celebrate God's care in 2009 and think about His promises for 2010.

Did you know that being filled with joy, having fun, and celebrating special events is God's idea? Back in the Old Testament, God told the Israelites to celebrate on a regular basis. He wants us to be joyful because He knows that "the joy of the Lord is your strength." We're made to enjoy (see that joy word?) the good things in life: family, friends, good food, fun and relaxation. These things, and many more, are God's gifts given to bless and encourage us as we go through life.

There is a deeper source of joy, however. It's the joy the Lord gives us when we remember that He cares, He knows our exact situation right now, the struggles we have, or fears about 2010. Joy comes when we cherish the fact that we matter to God, we have worth, we belong to Him, we have a purpose, and we have capabilities that He has given to us to discover and use in the days ahead.

Why do you celebrate the New Year? How do you do it? I'd love to know.

I celebrate it because I know that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and His faithfulness and blessings are going to be there in the coming year. Being confident of this, I'm planning to "Rejoice in the Lord and be glad" when that ball falls at midnight on New Year's eve!

Poppy Smith: www.poppysmith.com email: poppy@poppysmith.com

Sabbath-keeping: Should it be practiced today? Why?

Did you grow up in a Christian home? How was Sunday observed? Was it just like any other day, apart from going to church? How was it different?

God set the pattern of taking one day of rest out of seven: He rested from creation and He told the Israelites to observe the Sabbath (a word that means to cease or desist).

Have you ever thought about WHY He commanded that the Sabbath be observed? Apart from resting physically, what other benefits might God have intended for you--perhaps, time to relate to your family, relax mentally, socialize with friends, enjoy the outdoors, listen to music or read a good book?

Although we are not under the law (Galatians 2:15-21), are we missing some blessings that would strengthen us spiritually, physically, and relationally which we miss when we race through life seven days a week without an intentional break?

Far from being a boring obligation, God invites us in the midst of our crazy lives, to cease from work and the driving need to be productive or accomplish the next task.

In order to experience God's intended blessings, what do you think you might cease, or desist from, this coming Sunday (or whatever day you dedicate to being God-focused rather than task-focused) ? What could you do to make that day renewing and spiritually refreshing? I'd love to hear your comments and suggestions.

Poppy

Alcoholic Finds God Can Transform

Sometimes you receive a letter that inspires and humbles you--a letter that tells of God's incredible goodness and power to transform a life. I want to share this kind of letter with you. It came today and I will be careful not to divulge personal details. May it bless and encourage you!

"Dear Poppy,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have just finished reading your book, I'm Too Young to be This Old. Wonderfully written. I have learned a lot from your book. I must say that I have a lot more learning to do.

I will let you know a little about myself: I have been an alcoholic for many years. And untill two and a half months ago, I just couldn't put the cap back on the bottle. After I became a Christian I don't have the urge whatsoever to even take another mouthful.

Yes, I realize that I've wasted quite a few number of years (not to mention $) on alcohol. But thank you Heavenly Father for your mercy! When I called upon Him, He answered in more than one way.

He took the urge to drink away and placed peace in my heart and mind. Now in the morning when I arise, I thank Him for another day and ask Him for guidance. I've been reading the Bible daily and also praying! The Bible is so interesting.

After I read your book, I felt I should write to you and let you know how much your book has helped me look at myself. Thank you very much for writing the book. So Poppy, continue what you're doing. God bless you."

(The writer found a copy of my book in a little general story in Saskachewan. Isn't God good to send what she needed to a tiny town in Canada!)

I'll get back soon to blogging on what I've been teaching. This week the focus is on Sabbath-keeping. What is it? Is there something for today that God wants us to understand?