Elder Compass - January 2019
For Times Gone By
by Michael Martin
Every New Year’s Eve, one of the most common English-speaking melodies people sing is called “Auld Lang Syne.” Isn’t it funny to think that you’ve been singing a song all your life and have no idea what it means?
It turns out that “auld lang syne” is a 17th-century Scottish song written by a man named Robert Byrns. The words “auld lang syne” can be translated as “times gone by.” So when we sing this song, we are saying, “We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet for the times gone by.”
Listening to this well-known song, one can’t help but do a little reminiscing. Just think about how awesome it is to finally reach a place in life when you can honestly be thankful for everything. I mean everything - all the good, the bad, and the ugly. The whole shah bang! Everything that has ever had the fortune or misfortune of passing through the curtains of our life!
Until we truly believe God really does work out everything in conformity with the purpose of his own will, (Ephesians 1:11) we will never be ready for the next round of the growth process. A very well-known scripture in the book of Romans articulates this truth very well when it says:
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 NLT
If you count yourself as being numbered among the “called out” ones, who also happen to be “head over heels” in love with God (which by faith, we all can be) you will soon find yourself beginning to see things in a new and marvelous light. It’s part of that promise given to us in Matthew:
Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. Matthew 6:22 NLT
Then, when we ultimately come to the realization that God is after one thing, and that one thing is “us” giving “Him” EVERYTHING, then (and only then) will we gladly, without hesitation, partake of that cup of kindness … yet for the times gone by!
May you all have a Joyous and Blessed New Year!
Elders on Call in January:
Mike Lorenzen - (502) 314-8261
Linda Wise - (502) 727-7846
Charlotte Tharp - (502) 593-9400
Next Elders Meeting: Sunday, January 27, 9:30 a.m.