My State of the Union Speech

Every year, the President of the United States prepares and presents a State of the Union speech.  So, as I was thinking about it, I asked myself, “Why don’t I present a State of the Allan address?”
 
It’s probably good for all of us to be somewhat reflective and at the same time look to what lies ahead in the future.  So….here goes:
 
2017 was a year of change and challenge.  The older I get, change presents more of a challenge.  I’m all for change, because if you maintain the status quo, you never move forward.  As a matter of fact, standing still sometimes causes you to fall behind as the world around you races on ahead.
 
The longer I’m in ministry, the more I realize I should have begun sooner in life rather than later.  On the other hand, God used the days gone by to groom me for today and the days that lie ahead.  Whether those days be long or short, I know this….I will live them for the Lord.
 
I know of Billy Graham, I’ve read and heard about preachers like Billy Sunday, D.L. Moody, and others and how they gathered huge crowds to hear the Word of the Lord.  Though I don’t like to admit it, I aspire to be like them.  But then I realize, I am not.  So instead….I bloom where God plants me.
 
Too many times in years past, I’ve been the thorn bush in the rose garden.  How much better to strive to be a rose among the thorn bushes.
 
As I look forward to the days ahead, all I can say is that I am just the clay.  The clay that is molded by the Potter’s hand.
 
My final little secret to pass on---always remember God is God---and we are not!  May you be a blessing to Him in this New Year!
Love to you all…..Pastor Allan
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