January 9, 2016

I recently saw this quote, “No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending” (Unknown). I want you to remind yourself of this quote often as you continue reading G-d’s word. The upshot of the quote is this: we don’t start over; but we begin again right where we are, toward the ending Jesus has already worked out for us.

As a believer in Christ, it is not about saying I will do this and I won’t do that and then dropping the idea or falling short, for that is a “response/consequence” relationship that Jesus does not want. In other words, believing that “If I do this or don’t do that” Jesus will love me more, is the wrong kind of relationship that G-d wants with each one of us. It is more about asking the Lord to help us each and every day knowing that G-d’s love for us was demonstrated in the death of G-d’s Son, Jesus, and that kind of love is never earned. Because there is nothing we can do to have G-d love us more, if we accept that G-d loves us already, then our focus will be set on the things of heaven and not on all this earthly stuff.

If I were to make a New Year resolution, it would be to have a deeper commitment to praying and reading G-d’s word. This idea of focusing on the Word of G-d truly has been set in front of me this new year, I can only assume by G-d, and you have joined me in this journey in 2016. I believe the current times and trends in this world requires our undivided attention on G-d’s Word and the truth behind it so we can deal with the trials and tribulations that lie waiting around the corner.

How you will end this year will be determined by how you started it. Did you want to get deeper into understanding G-d’s word and G-d’s intent for your lives? Do you want a new ending this year? How do you want the ending of your life? If you’re not a Christian, please know that this could be the best New Year of your life. Your life can be filled with hope and peace. To know what the ending will be is an extra bonus, because Jesus has already worked out our individual ending. Why should every year be the same as the one before with nothing really changing?   If you are a Christian and you feel stagnate in your relationship with the Lord, then now is the time to rekindle that relationship – beginning with Word and Prayer. The real ending in our life will be when Jesus says well done my good and faithful servant. Wouldn’t it be nice for each one of us to know where Jesus said that and the love and intent behind what he meant?

Pastor Dave