All in New Year

New Year's Days are like new life, they offer us the opportunity to begin anew, but for this to be realized we must first let go of the old and grasp hold of the new. We must be willing to accept the change and transformation that our new beginning offers us. Yesterday was New Year's Eve, and should have been a time of remembrance, but for so many people it is just an excuse to party, get intoxicated, and revel in the sinful world. However, for Christians, and those seeking Jesus, New Year's Day offers us an opportunity to refocus our attention on the renewal of our faith and living a more righteous life. Which of these describes us? Are we satisfied with recovering from another hangover, or are we ready to accept the positive change that Christ’s transformation offers us?

We are beginning a new year, and in so doing there is much hope for the future. This is a perfect time to leave old failures, and anxieties behind, and grasp new goals, but more than that it is an opportunity to vanquish our own efforts to defeat the sins that have controlled us for so long, and let God stand against them. Against all our enemies God is strong, and able to conquer. In all our needs and shortcomings He is our provider... In this first day of the new year hand all to Him.

On this the last day of the year we should present the invitation to receive the living water of Jesus Christ with a renewed heart. In many places this is a night of great merry making, filled with excessive drink and lust, but where are the pastors, prophets, and saints? Why are they quiet regarding the gospel while sinners revel? Where are we the believers? Are we at the celebration too? Are our eyes closed for a night?

What will this year bring you in regards to life, and your faith? Will you continue living here on earth as you know it now; filled with challenge, the saving grace of Jesus, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, or will you cross over Jordan to rest in God the Father? Will you suffer new hardships in this world, and obtain new heights of faith by the work of the Spirit in you, or will this year be free from turmoil, and your path made straight? Will you eat manna here in the desert, or the milk and honey of heaven beyond? Are you afraid of what lies ahead for you this year... well fear not!

Today is the last day of the year, and typically one in which we take stock of our accomplishments and failures over the past twelve months. This is also a time when we make plans for the coming year, and determine the condition of our present life. As you do so, do you have regrets that haunt you, and fears that give you tribulation as you look towards the coming new year? Well, fear not because our Lord uses what is past to prepare us for what lies ahead, and He helps us face today with a firm faith in His goodness and mercy.