As Willie Nelson sang on his “Stardust” album, “The days dwindle down to a precious few.”

Time is fascinating. When I was a kid, the days were long. Now, when I go to bed at night, it’s like the sheets are still warm from just getting up.

Time is both an illusion and a statement of reality. I have several atheist friends who ardently believe this life is all there is. To their credit, they live each day. But as their days dwindle down to a precious few, there is nothing of substance. It’s sad to me, but it’s the philosophy they’ve chosen.

On the other hand, while I’m in the third quarter of my life, I’m filled with hope. I have anticipation for today—and hope for tomorrow. If my time concludes before dinner, rock ‘n roll. If tomorrow comes, I have a plan and vision to exact from time every ounce of joy and meaning.

Paul offered three phrases into a short verse, well-suited as a mission statement: “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (1:21). There’s no downside in this statement, only upside.

As far as I’m concerned, it is my determination to trust Christ to live through me each moment of every day. When my time on earth concludes, I will have lived fully, danced each dance, and sung until all the music is out of me. With death, Father reloads me for eternity.

With these December thoughts, I’m offering perspective for your consideration. I’m giving words to convey what is meant by hope. This is my spin on Christian living, my take on faith applied even under duress.

I was talking with a buddy who is a theologian, one of the people I go to when I need to make certain I’m thinking well. He said, “You’re an applied theologian.” I looked at him quizzically. “That’s a real thing, brother. Applied theology.”

His affirmation stayed with me. I’m proficient in theology, philosophy, history, and human dynamics, but Father God has wired me such that integration and application is my expertise.

And that’s what you and I do together.

What sets Lifetime-PHG apart is our dedication to the Gospel applied. Bill used to describe our style as “cookbooky.” While I don’t speak colloquially like Bill did, what you read and hear from me is practical.

But our work through Lifetime-PHG doesn’t stop with me telling you something important. No, I’m not happy with a discussion until it is applicable. Here’s my role. Here’s your role. Together, this is what we do. Here’s what Jesus is doing. Here’s the part the Spirit is playing, and here’s what Father is thinking. Until all the players are integrated, I’m not satisfied. Once we are all pulling together, woohoo!

Christmas in Cowtown, 2023. Sundance Square.

When you look under the “Resources” tab at Lifetime.org, I hope you see two things: One, I hope you see resources that you can access. Two, I hope you experience satisfaction. When you read from PHG, PrestonGillham.com, I hope you sense my heart reaching to yours.

These resources are an aspect of return on your investment. They wouldn’t be in existence if you had not participated in the ministry with prayer and financial investment. Then, we reinvest in others and that is further return on your investment.

When I tell you that the ministry of Lifetime-PHG spans the globe, it does! And you help take the message there.

When my voice is compromised by the culture gods’ small-mindedness, you step up and we are not stopped. In your sharing of my articles and writing, you do an end-around their blockage. Even though they sabotage their reporting to me, you and I know they can’t stop the spread of the Gospel. I mean, it’s the height of hubris to set yourself up against the purposes of God. God doesn’t assign us pointless tasks. We are engaged in meaningful matters within the Kingdom.

So as December concludes and January dawns, should Father leave us in place, my thought is to devote ourselves to His calling. The duress we encounter doesn’t break us; it solidifies our resolve. After all, the Gospel isn’t our message. It is His. God invites us to participate and states clearly that the increase He brings will fit His purpose, timing, and sensibility.

I’m excited to see what tomorrow holds. To live is Christ. Together, we are in good shape. Circumstantially, there is confusion and darkness, but if there was no darkness, there would be no need for us to be light.

So, let’s live fully in the power of Christ. Let’s be busy about our calling together.

I pledge to write, and guide, and make what I say applicable.

The best thing you can do is take aboard what I offer, then share it with your friends, contacts, and lists. You can pray for me and you can invest your money to help advance what we are doing together.

Meanwhile, I will pray for you and invest back into you. It’s the circle of life together.

Lord willing, I’ll see you on the other side of 2023. Happy New Year!

Here’s a link for your financial participation. And for the record, your gift is tax-deductible, secure, effective, and efficient.

December Thoughts