December 31, 2012

The USA is hours away from the “fiscal cliff,” when tax hikes and spending cuts automatically take effect. On the stock exchange it is the last trading day of the year. It could be that stocks will fall for the 6^th straight day, although the market is up 6 percent for the year. The regular NFL season is over, and the playoffs begin. Today is the last day of Bethany’s visit as she heads back to LA this evening if her flight does not face a weather delay. It has been great to have her here in Springfield. She sang in all the sanctuary services yesterday.

Hebrews 1

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.” (Verses 1-2) These “last days” have now extended almost 2,000 years. God still speaks in Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit, God the three-in-one. We are fellow heirs as sons and daughters of God, and as this world is passing away, our inheritance is forever, world without end, amen.

It is sustaining to know that we are heirs of God, “joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod.” I gave to Audrey for Christmas the first season of Downton Abbey, a British PBS series about life on an estate in the early 1900s. One driving issue involves the heirs. Two were killed on the Titanic, a distant cousin is next in line, etc. Whatever happens in this life, we know that for eternity we belong to the King of kings and Lord of lords. And, there is more room in God’s estate, room for everyone we could bring to the table in the years that remain. Also, in God’s economy, those who serve are at the top, those who live for themselves are at the bottom.

It is the season for organizing one’s life. I received the forms from our tax preparer to get ready for the 2012 returns. I always intend to do a thorough job of organizing at the end of the year, then end up doing just the minimal required for reporting, etc. It would be helpful to prepare a balance sheet and a record of all important aspects of family business. I also need to update our will, which we prepared in 1987.

On this last day of 2012, and the first day of the rest of my earthly life, guide my steps Lord. I honor You and submit to Your will and purposes. Empower me to do that which furthers Your kingdom and maximizes the stewardship of my life.