Happy New Year!

When I think about New Years (other than being amazed that it is 2010 already) I think of new beginnings and passing on a bit of wisdom to my generation and to the next generation. I think of how amazing that this year marks 110 years since John A. Davis was challenged by God to start a Bible training school to train men and women in ministry. I am reminded of Joshua 4 when Israel had just crossed the Jordan river. In Joshua 4.4-8 it says:

Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”

Amazing isn't it? The people of Israel made a memorial on the banks of the river Jordan. And the reason for it? It was going to be sign to the children and grandchildren. When your children or grandchildren see you reading your Bible do they ask, "what does this book mean to you?" Use your life as a witness not just to the unsaved, but to your children, grandchildren, and peers.

I wear items with Davis College on them and use them to talk about why I love my Alma Mater so much. I love the college, because I love that the College is a Biblical Center place of learning that I am very grateful for. If you are an Alumnus or Almna of PBTS/PBC/Davis keep the college in your prayers this coming year, and if you can support it financially.

While the college has changed locations, names, professors, and presidents over the 110 years it still remains committed to Gospel of Jesus Christ, because He is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth, and the ONLY Life. He is the ONLY WAY to Heaven!

Message from John A. Davis for the New Year

A few years ago I was going through John A. Davis' Bible in the Alumni and in the front part of the Bible was a note. Not sure if he wrote it or found it somewhere, but I thought it was a nice piece of advice for Christians in the New Year. It read:

Make it the first morning business of your life to understand some part of God's Word clearly, and your daily duty to practice it in all that you do understand.

It is great advice and wisdom not just for the New Year, but for each and every day to get into God's word and have the Holy Spirit guide us so we become more and more like our Savior Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Remember Psalm 119.9-11 (though the whole chapter is wonderful when dealing with the Word of God)

How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed according to Your word.

With my whole heart I have ought You;

Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You.

This New Years if you haven't gotten into God's rich Word I would encourage you to and read it each day and live it out. For as it has been said many times before, "we might be the only Bible someone may see."