Happy New Year! For about two decades now my wife and I fall asleep way-before midnight on New Year’s Eve. We wake up to a new day, new month, a new year, and welcome it. I like fireworks, but that’s not usually the case in Puerto Rico where “celebrations” begin early, about 6p.m. Here, it’s a bunch of noise where small cars (usually stolen), are revved up on and on and their drivers burn rubber on the streets. Usually, the cars themselves are later found burnt. Besides the roar of the cars, there are shots fired in the air in rapid succession. These are practices known to the police-they grew up on this island, so they know. But nothing is done about it. I’m so glad we’re in the mountains about ¼ mile from the main road. If it’s loud up here, imagine those near where it’s happening.
Last night, there were a few fireworks but mostly M-80 bombs; thunderous claps that rattled you in your chair. Before 11pm, I was drifting off to sleep and heard a few of those noisy booms go off. But soon my snoring was louder than those M-80s! I drifted off to la-la-land and heard nothing more.
This new year we look forward to great promises from God. He’s always seated on His throne-meaning, He’s in charge and in control of everything. “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20NKJV). They’re also conditional. They’re true to those who serve Him and have their sins forgiven and their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27). While we look for His return, we enjoy His presence in our lives. But if you don’t know Him as savior yet, don’t put it off another day! Soon, there will be a thunderous clap heard worldwide which will not consist of fireworks, but of something greater; even dreadful. Please be ready before that day! If you’re snoring louder than what’s happening around you, “Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light” (Ephesians 5:14 AMPC).
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; and then the heavens will vanish with a [mighty and thunderous] roar, and the[material] elements will be destroyed with immense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).
Let’s make 2026 the year we commit or recommit our lives to Him that we may serve Him whole-heartedly and be ready for His soon return.
Happy New Year!
Sam
Recommended Song: People Get Ready Crystal Lewis