As the weekend begins the house is quiet. All of our Christmas company has returned to North Alabama. Bennett is in Mobile working and Rachel is back at the bank. Liz and I are getting ready for Sunday and then the New Years Day celebration. Next up is 2008. 

New Year resolutions will begin to pop up in the next few days. I encourage you to read the Bible through in the coming year. That is always a good thing. It is a great habit to have. You might try a different translation for your reading this year. That can keep things fresh and give you a new perspective. 

The news of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto was tragic news from Pakistan. Terrorism is something our generation will live with for years to come. The war on terror will not be short lived. The 2008 presidential election will soon take center stage in America. This will be a most important choice and we must be much in prayer about this issue. 

As we wrap up the year at Olive this Sunday, I will be delivering a message to challenge the church toward being a place of faith and vision. We must not rest on what has been done. With more than 80% of Southern Baptist Convention churches plateaued or declining, we must stay in touch with the Father to be all we are called to be. Almost 4000 churches close their doors each year in America. We must always have our doors open but that is not enough. There must be life when people enter the faith family meeting place. Pray for me Sunday as I exhort Olive not to commit the sin of the Nicolaitans.