Happy New Year 2010
As we say good-bye to the year 2009 and hello to 2010 we make transition from one time frame to another. We are powerless to accept this time change. Instead we embrace it, with optimism that the coming year will hold new opportunities and answers, as well as challenges and growth. To look back and revel at what God has seen us through, as well as welcoming new situations in the year to come knowing God will see us through, is the stuff that faith is made of!
As we face this New Year with uncertain futures, we must cling to the certainty of truth in Romans 8 where Paul asks: “If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will bring a charge against those whom God has chosen? And who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" Paul answers with: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us! For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Are we as convinced as Paul? If we are not, then what is influencing our beliefs and actions?
It is often the practice of people that are not satisfied with their present state of life to make resolutions to change. They often acknowledge the right solutions to their physical life such as eating a better diet, having more time for exercise, getting better rest and living less stressfully. They may also resolve to better their spiritual life with spending more time reading God’s word and in prayer, joining a small group that studies the Bible together or volunteering more time in a position at church. If you acknowledge the need for these types of changes, then changes are always better implemented when you have accountability to them.
As your Pastor, I would encourage you to follow Paul's advice to Timothy: “Have nothing to do with godless myths and wives’ tales; rather train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life ant eh life to come.” We live in a society that is heavily bent on entertainment of the senses, whereas, God would have us be entertained spiritually. May I ask; who are you going to spend eternity with? The choice comes down to entertainment of the senses or spiritually entertaining God’s presence now.
I pray that we all make the decision to, Seek and Find God in a greater way this year.
Wishing you a successful New Year,