Calvary's touch-Encourages you:When the Clock Strikes Twelve

Wish You a Very Happy & Blessed New Year 2001.
When the Clock Strikes Twelve

So the year is finally coming to an end. So what's ahead? Let me share with you some thoughts on this occasion of entering into another New Millennium.

What is it about the new year that is worth celebrating? Will a new year meet the unfulfilled desires of the past year? Will things become better? Can it be that people find significance in being part of a historic event? Does newness guarantee improvement? What or who is the object of people's hopes and aspirations?

The Newspaper is the mirror of society. Open any newspaper and you find a plethora of bad and depressing news. On the economic front, retrenchment, unemployment, job insecurities are the buzzwords around us.

We have seen, on the Political front, on the Moral front, on the Religious front and on the Environmental front-the list is far from exhaustive- all negative and very discouraging things happening.

At the sunset of the 20th century, technology has undeniably improved people's standards of living. The proliferation of VCDs, e-mail, Internet and the mobile phones have greatly enhanced our entertainment, communication and access to information. But is technology the answer to our fears, doubts and uncertainties?

On the threshold of the 21st century, man's greatest need remains the same as in the past i.e. a restored and ongoing relationship with his Creator God. Only our Sovereign God can provide hope in uncertain times. Only our loving God can reassure us in fearful times. Only our gracious God can grant us peace in turbulent times. Only our holy God can provide an absolute moral standard in times of changing moral values.

When the clock strikes twelve on 31st Dec 2001, I will also celebrate but with a settled peace and an assured hope. The Lord of the 20th century remains the Lord of the 21st Century. He who brought me thus far will bring me home. What about you? Do you have such hope?

For the spiritual minded, I have written a special message on "Pressing Towards the Mark" at http://www.ctouch.org/tomark.htm
Here I have analyzed the great Apostle's earnest desire to press towards the mark for which God had called him as per Philippians 3: 13,14.

Four "New" things we can learn from Paul's undying passion:
1. A New Counting: of the value, worth and purpose of our life in the light of Eternity and Divine Call.
2. A New Conviction: of our own sinfulness and unworthiness of all His blessings.
3. A New Commitment: of knowing and loving the Lord more deeply and intimately and to partake in His sufferings.
4. A New Challenge: of forgetting those things one holds so dear and pressing on to hold on to that for which Christ called us.

When I prayed and asked God to show me some new goal for the New Year, the Lord gave me the Theme for 2001: "Be Committed & Be Useful". This would be our aim this coming new year, if the Lord tarries.

May we all be so committed to our faith in God, His Word, His work in the world and our families and responsibilities God has given to us. And also be more useful in our own personal life, family life, professional life and spiritual life so that our lives be fruitful and a blessing to others as well as glorifying to our Creator and Redeemer, in the coming New Year 2001. Amen. Be Encouraged.

Pressing Towards His Mark.

Celebrating together with you,

~~A. Othniel.~~ Isaiah 43: 18,19.

***********************letter # 50 (30.12.2000)*******