As we get older the years feel like months and the months like days and the days, minutes. Time flies and the good thing is that we get a breath closer to being absent from the body but present with the Lord. The bad thing is that we wonder if we are making the most out of every waking moment and second of this life. None of that will matter at the end of all things. And now here we are at the end of another year and it is that time again. It is time to reflect on the year and highlight the high points and pitfalls.
We'll start with the musical high points Mr. Bilson encountered in the past year. Mr. Bilson's hat goes up to the likes of Misty Edwards and Kim Walker. What passion! They reach into a depth of worship of Jesus Mr. Bilson never encountered before. Everyone ounce of their heart, mind, will and desire is projected to the Savior. What devotion! They bring us to new heights and depths into the love of Jesus. Also, loved "Greater Things," and "Life's Noise" by Bluetree were great.
Also, Chris Tomlin was another highlight. He actually came to Buncouver. The tears couldn't stop rolling when he sang about how Jesus became our sin that we we may become the righteousness of God. The tears almost rusted Mr. Bilson's helmet. Thanks to Jesus who takes our mess, blunders and paid the penalty for it all. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (1 Corinthians 5:21)
Other highlights was the fresh wind of the Spirit that came into the youth Ministry. Ignite Zone was birthed. It grew and multiplied leaders. Thanks Jesus for the laborers and Team Omega who gave much refreshment and answered some long awaited prayers. We've been praying for years for laborers to come and when they actually do come, it is tear jerking. Thank you Jesus once again.
Than there is also the pits of the year. Manafest and TFK really were able to put the confusion, pain and delusion into it's proper words in, "Impossible." It was the theme for Mr. Bilson for 2008. Mr. Bilson feels like the song was written for yours truly! God bless these moments. They remind us that God is still aware of our pain and intimately acquainted with it and involved in it and sensitive to it. After all, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)
As you may or may not know, Mr. Bilson has a weakness for the motion pictures. Sure, he does find the mindless gun fighting, car chases and vengeance taking quite immature and rather pointless but found solace in other forms of entertainment. The movie that was memorable was Wall-E. The depiction of humans as slothful, gluttons by their own invention of technology was an eye opener. Than there is always the good ol' hero who either gives up his life, or almost gives it up in this case, for the greater good which always points us to Jesus.
2008 was also a time of receiving great preaching. JOM gave some timely messages on overcoming which was very important with all the trials and mishaps Mr. Bilson had to endure. Also, journeying with Greg Laurie and the loss of his son was also quite touching. His journey through the grief help bring comfort to some personal grief over the loss of many personal friends as well.
Also, PH and HH and R and J have been a huge aid in the times of refreshment and healing. They never cast condemnation or shame or stones in the moments of brokenness and openness and confusion. Praise God for friends like this. Mr. Bilson is blessed to have more than one of them. They also taught Mr. B the value of sabbath and soaking. In the midst of the torment, burn out, brokenness, disillusionment and break down, it was rest that would bring healing. It is found in the words of Isaiah, "This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength..." (Isaiah 30:15) Healing is only found when we quietly invite the Holy Spirit into our brokenness to bring healing. Healing will come because he promises it: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)
Also, God was still faithful in coming through another leap of faith. It was at the PMC Family Camp. We had about 40 people in attendance. It is hectic co ordinating a work at this scale with the few resources Mr. B. has. But God met those needs to his matchless resources. He keeps coming though even in the times of feeling dryness in the center of the empty cup. It is true that, "... my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
The Year ended in much satisfaction. It came in the words of the testimonies of the young people. The watch night service was run by the youth who took over the 1st hour. They mentioned how the messages sunk in deep soil. OHhhh. What a relief. All the tears, toil and heartache is paying off. And impact was being made. Those tender words from their mouths made all the difference in the world. It is all true, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Cor 15:58)
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