7 Observations From 2007

The year 2007 is almost over as I write this. Only a few hours away from the stroke of midnight. As I look back on this year, I came up with a few thoughts on some things I learned. Here are my Seven Observations from 2007. -Nathan

ONE

Truth is always backed up by facts, not by what people say.

A lot of people say a lot of things. Just watch YouTube for an hour! Not everyone tells the truth when they talk. Make sure what you're hearing is backed up by actual facts. The truth always will be.

TWO

The War on Terror is real.

A prominent presidential candidate recently called the War on Terror a bumper sticker slogan. It's much more than that. There are real people who are trying to destroy democracy and Christianity. Most recently was the assasination of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan. Pray for the leaders and troops in harm's way as they defend our very lives.

THREE

It's not about the style of a song, it's about the message.

The big debate in churches today is the style of music that will be done. I like hymns and I like the new worship songs/praise choruses. The style shouldn't be the debate, the substance should be. The answer is to have a well-blended service each week.

FOUR

The pastor is NOT the focus of a weekend church service - God is.

I knew a pastor who talked about himself and his problems from the platform all the time. Everything that he did was focused on himself. The pastor at my church doesn't even step on the platform until the message. Once on the platform, he preaches straight from the Word. A pastor is not the focus of a Sunday event, God should be the focus!

FIVE

Sometimes is does not good to questions God's motives.

One of my heroes and all-time favorite pianist Roger Bennett was promoted to heaven this year after a 13 year battle with cancer. He was in his mid 40s. His piano playing and the way he lived through the pain and uncertainty is one of the strongest witnesses to trusting Jesus through anything. Why was he taken so early in his life? I have no idea. Trying to understand it while still on earth is pointless. God has the master plan, His ways are higher than ours, and His ways are perfect.

SIX

Looking back cannot overtake pressing forward.

Paul tells us in Philippians to forget what is behind and to press on towards what is ahead. We can look back and see high points and low points in our lives. But looking back without keeping an eye on what's in front of you the majority of the time can bring on mixed feelings. Remember the past as a context on how to live the present. Don't live in the past - the future will leave you in the dust.

SEVEN

When you don't know what to do, just do lunch!

I'm serious. It fills you up so you aren't on edge and gives you a chance to think about what you should do when you get back to working - and who doesn't love a good lunch?