Looking Back: My Favorite Posts from 2020
The year is coming to an end and it’s time to reflect by reviewing the words of encouragement, instruction and inspiration given throughout the year.
Here are my favorite blog posts for 2020:
A Life in Christ Never Panics
This post was first published in March, 2020. I recall coming back from grocery shopping with my wife and couldn’t believe the crowds and long lines. People were hoarding paper towels, toilet paper, Top Ramen, and various disinfectants.
“A believer in Christ exercises their citizenship in this world that God created, dearly loves, and desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth. All people who trust in him have been set apart before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:4), to not be of this world, but be salt and light in this world to proclaim of his message of Good News.
With one foot in the world, those who trust in God’s promises, can courageously exhibit grace amid panic. They can visit grocery stories to get what they need but be willing to give away what they possess to help a person in need. They can boldly take advantage of every opportunity the Lord provides to give reasons for the hope, peace, and confidence they have in Christ.”
God’s Pursing Love in Times of Crisis
It was our first Easter during the worldwide pandemic. Instead of gathering with fellow believers to sing hymns, hear vibrant music, and enjoy Easter breakfasts, we all had to stay home. It was a different experience.
“In God’s wisdom and purpose for his church, he uses believers to help spread the Word in an unbelieving world – especially during difficult times.
A living faith is willing to engage people for the sake of the gospel. An active faith is willing to invite people despite outward appearances. A trusting faith delivers invitations.
They are willing to say, ‘Everything is ready. Christ has done it all for you to be right with God. Trust his love. He has sacrificed himself for you. His has risen! Believe.’
Faith anticipates the future joys of heaven.”
The Gift From God
This post was my favorite post for 2020. I was thinking of Christmas when I wrote this post during the summer.
Imagine: A beautifully wrapped present rests under the Christmas tree with sparking lights and tinsel that beckons to be opened. The tag on the present says, “Merry Christmas 2019! From: God.” A red envelope rests on top with a message written in black ink that reads, “Please Open First.” On Christmas Day, you eagerly open the red envelope and read the contents:
Dear Child:
I am about to give you a precious gift. You may open the present and discover in detail all that I have planned for 2020.What would you do?
1. Eagerly open the present and read about a worldwide pandemic, stay-at-home orders, massive social unrest, loss of jobs, unexpected loss of a loved one, etc.
2. Immediately throw the unopened present into the garbage, so that you will not be tempted to open it.
3. Ask your neighbor to open the present and only reveal the good news.
4. Hide the present in the closet and open it up next Christmas to see if God was right.
Again, I ask you, what would you do?
The words I shared in this post last summer still ring true today. Let me know your thoughts by writing a comment on this post. I would be interested to read your reflections on 2020.
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