Ponder Anew

Today's the day! In just a few hours, we'll be on our way to Israel. As we begin our journey, I'm remembering our previous trips. I'm recalling the experiences we had there, pondering the lessons learned.

I'm really excited about this trip. Looking forward to good times with good friends, making new friends, eating some great food, and once again experiencing the land of the Bible.

While we are in Israel, the year 2013 will come to a close. In fact, we'll be celebrating New Year's Eve in Bethlehem!

As one year comes to a close and another begins, it's a good time for pondering. Thinking back on this last year and remembering all the people and places and events that were a part of the year. Pondering. Recalling lessons learned.

The beginning of a new year is also a good time for pondering. At this time of year we're often focused on making resolutions and setting goals. But I think it's a good time to ponder. To ponder anew, as the hymn writer put it.

We sang the hymn "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" in our worship service yesterday. As we sang, I was struck by that phrase.....ponder anew. It seems a good phrase as we begin the new year. To ponder who God is. To think about His character and His ways. It's a good way to begin a new year, don't you think?

I'll be in Israel for a couple of weeks. I look forward to reconnecting with you when I return. In the meantime, I challenge you to "ponder anew what the Almighty can do."

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, Who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, Who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adoreHim.

(-Joachim Neander)