January 1, 2016

“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. 2 He said:
“In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me;  all your waves and breakers swept over me. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” Jonah 2:1-3, 7-10

January 1st of every year is a liminal if not a Kairos moment in time. The first day of the New Year provides the opportunity for a G-d moment – if we want it to happen, and if we allow it to happen. Many people will meet the New Year with a hang over and a foggy brain. Is this the best way to start the New Year? Most likely people are trying to forget what the passing year gave to them, good or bad, or they are afraid of what the New Year might bring, good or bad. Again, is this the best way to start the New Year? When I say the New Year can be a liminal or a Kairos moment in time, I am speaking to the very real possibility of having a G-d moment where we begin with and in G-d’s presence – and begin the New Year as changed people.

Instead of making New Year’s Day one of just recovery, football, and sauerkraut, why not take some time today to invite G-d into your home, if not into your life. Take time today to immerse yourself into G-d’s presence, G-d’s very real presence. Decide today to read the word of G-d daily – set small goals for yourself. Start with a few verses a day, and see how that may increase over time. Don’t just read it but take time to think about it, meditate upon it, and let the word speak to you. Also, decide today how seeing yourself through your baptismal identity – as a loved child of G-d – might change your perspective if not your direction. Allow the Grace, mercy and love of G-d to knock the chip off your shoulder and to introduce some peace and joy into your life. It can sustain you on this New Year’s journey. It is the opportunity for a new beginning. This will be the focus of my devotions this year — picking a theme and writing devotions on that theme, one month at a time. The theme for January 2016 is “Beginnings”.

G-d is always ready to prove to you G-d’s love, mercy and Grace which has been there all along, we just miss it because we are too busy with other things. Do not miss this opportunity to begin the new year with a new beginning.

Pastor Dave