Happy New Year! That is kind of a traditional way of greeting someone as we start a new year. Really, I hope you have had a “Happy Old Year” and will continue with a “Happy New Year.” I pray for your joy based on Christ as well as your happiness based on your circumstances.
The turning of the calendar is a great time for many people to renew efforts of starting over. Don’t you wish you had a dollar for everyone who decided this is the year I will shed a few pounds or make a decision to start exercising? I actually like picking a time to make new commitments or to renew former ones. The New Year is a good time to start new and make renewed efforts at attaining goals in your life. It is a logical time to say the past is behind me, today, this week, this month, and this year is a new year. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…so I can do this…whatever your “this” is.
Let me suggest some areas to consider as you make New Year commitments. What will you do to deepen your faith with our Father and our Lord Jesus? Maybe this is the year you read the Bible through or add a few minutes to your daily time with Him. This year, above all else, I pray you will guard your heart. The Father is working to make us more like the Son. What will you do toward that end?
Second, what will you do this year to be salt and light in your neighborhood and community? What do you see or think about that makes your heart burn with passion or concern? It could be that is the area where you can shine the brightest. I pray for all of us to find ways to join what God is doing outside of what we do here on Sunday mornings. Every Bible study group and small group that I know of has a regular point of contact in the community. They have places of darkness where they are taking the light of Jesus. It can be done. Don’t be timid about asking your group to consider taking on a project. (By the way, also don’t expect others to leave what they are passionate about to join your quest. Get it, they are doing already. It is easy to feel like what we are doing is the most important. It is not. It is just one of a wonderful array of ministries).
Happy New Day! Every day is new; His mercies are fresh, and each day is an opportunity to “begin again.” So make a commitment, try again, and aim for the stars. You will do more than if you didn’t try.
Happy New Day! Whether it is January 1 or some other day He has created. May He continue to do a new work in your life and in the community where you live.
Pastor Tom
