Behold, all things are become new

It is the new year, and in so much as we are starting a new year, we also began a new life with the birth of our Saviour. From here as Christians, we look ahead to the purpose of our saviours birth, which is his death and resurection, but first we must get "First things First"
Before I begin, I have a couple of confessions to make. First, the thoughts you are going to read, are not entirely my own. They begin with my churches message, delivered today entitles "First Things First", and delivered expertly by pastor Brad and the inspiration of the holy spirit. Second, I usually work of the cuff and say what comes to mind as my thoughts organize. I do not know where things will begin and end when I sit down to type, They are organized in the moment. Tonight however, I have my ipod with my Holy Bible App open and the scripture before me from todays message, because I feel I may need to do more than memory and emotion. Time will tell.
For me, I am visual, and I cannot pass up a vivid visual analogy. "First things First, essentially means that we must put God first both as a church and as a person. The things that are of the earth are of the earth and the things of heaven are not of this earth.It seems like a simple, an odvious statement, one that might bring a "Heeeellllloooo???" from a younger lad, but when you really think about it, seperating earth from heaven is one of the most difficult things, we as christians can have tasked to us.
Todays message had an analogy about the seven tourches which represent the seven early churches. One of those early churches is being spoken to and being delivered the message of the importance of being sure that what we do is not for our glory, but form the glory of God. (Do you volunteer at the food pantry because it makes you feel good?, or because those who need help are Gods childeren, and God has gifted you with compasion for those less fortunate? )We hear alot about light in the bible. Our light is like the light of a candle, and we should not hide it under a bushel, The lighting of our path, and of course, Jesus being our light. Now back to the tourches. Seven tourches, all burning with the light of Jesus. As the early church is being causioned that if they do not regain the purpose of the lord, and return to fulfilling Gods purpose the tourch will be laid down. Picture yourself surrounded by darkness. The only light you have is the light of the torch you carry. You believe you are on the right path. Then out of the darkness, The glory of Jesus approches. He speaks nothing, but holds out his hand for your torch. You hand it to him with pride in your accomplishements.Then without warning, the torch drops to the ground with a thud, causing the flame to extinguish. You are alone in the darkness.
" The light of the body is the eye: If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thy eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. Matthew 6:22-23a (kingJames)

All of that having been said, and knowing that we are in this world and not of this world, I have just one more thing to say...... "Go Packers"