At the end of the year businesses need to check their inventory to see what is available for the new year. This is a busy time of the year as business goes on as normal, but they also need to be ready without delay to fill the orders that they hope will be coming in. Do they need to increase the supply house, and how much space is needed? There is so much to do and so little time to get it all done. We go to work, preparing and readying things, and putting our plans into motion. It seems all is set, and looking ahead things seem rosy, expecting a banner year for us. We are pleased as much profit is to be had. All we have done and prepared for are things that need to be done. God has blessed us with so many blessings. We thank Him for them.
We have thought of everything, and nothing has been forgotten. But, have we? Have we thought about our life? What happens if sickness strikes? But we put that aside: I’m healthy. I don’t get sick. I’m still quite young, and there’s nothing to worry about. God says, “Thou fool” (Luke 12:20). We receive many blessings every day. They all come from God. It is good to thank Him for them, but what is forgotten? The Blessor! He gives us all of our temporal blessings, but do not forget that the main and greatest blessing is Himself. We cannot even take our next breath without His blessing. All of our natural blessings amount to nothing without Him. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Jesus Christ is the treasure we need as we enter the new year. No storage is needed for this treasure in our temporary home (the world).
Christ has everything needed for time and for eternity.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Ps. 23)
Inventories on earth need to be taken often, and there is no assurance that our plans will come to pass, but with God in Jesus Christ our needs are forever sure.
Unless the Lord the house shall build, the weary builders toil in vain;
Unless the Lord the city shield, the guards a useless watch maintain.
In vain you rise ere morning break, and late your nightly vigils keep,
And of the bread of toil partake; God gives to His beloved sleep.
Psalter 359:1–2 (Psalm 127)
…………..Mr. Cornelius VanKempen known as Case, has been married to Susan for fifty-eight blessed years. They attend and are members of Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, MI.