Isaiah 62:11-12 (NIV) reads, "The Lord has proclamation to the ends of the earth: "Say to Daughter Zion, See your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him". They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of The Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted."
So many verses within the scripture should give you encouragement as you journey along the way. Meditate on this passage that proclaims, "You will be called Sought After."
What a marvelous joy to know that in a world of disappointments and rejection, God already has a name for you, "Sought After." That name places you in a special relationship with Him, it's your reward for being faithful. It describes the extent of His love for you. He allows no barrier to stand in the way of His desire to be with you. He seeks after you because you are, "Sought After."
Therefore, you don't have to worry about a broken relationship, a lost job opportunity, or a cut in your pay. God is after you. He is seeking you. He will reward you because your name is, "Sought After."
My reading this morning is Psalm 30. It contains one of the most encouraging verses in scripture, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."(KJV)
By reading the entire Psalm, I gained a new appreciate for mountaintop experiences. We learn life lessons during our valley experiences. We learn how to wait on The Lord and to endure. But what about your mountaintop experiences? When you achieve some measure of success or enjoy some moments of prosperity, does your faith turn from the heights of heaven and focus upon your accomplishments.
It is when you find yourself standing at the pinnacles of life that your praise should be pronounced and your exhortations should be proclaimed. In your success, don't allow your faith in God to be shaken.
In your fortune and fame, retain the resoluteness of faith that it is not moved.
If God can trust you with success in this world, He will shower upon you even more, so you can be a blessing to others.
"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." Colossians 1:28 (NIV)
In life you will receive criticisms and accolades. You will receive tribute, as well as dispute. In this life, no one is perfect, no one is without blemish. One's short fallings should not deter you from pursuing your calling. God has begun a great work in you and He will fulfill the call upon your life.
Therefore, take your faults, fears, and frailties to The Lord. Leave them at the altar and pick up the Cross of your convictions and walk in the path God has laid out for you.
You will discover through Christ you will be made perfect. Through Him, He will transform your earthly house into a marvelous mansion. He will take the broken pieces of your life and create a beautiful mosaic knitted together by His grace and mercy.
In due time God will make you perfect just like He said He would.
Into every life a storm will come, the question is, "how do you press on through your storm?"
The secret is to understand the blowing of the wind. Storms produce one of three distinct winds: headwinds, crosswinds, or tailwinds.
Headwinds are those turbulence that meet you face to face. They confront you directly. You see them coming. You can either hunker down or rise above headwinds.
Crosswinds come unexpectedly from a direction unseen. They can knock you off your feet and severely alter your path. After there blast you must find your way back to your equilibrium. This may take time and the going may be rough, but maintain your focus to return to your positive direction.
Tailwinds are those forces of wind that propel you quickly to your goals. They push you, motivate you, stimulate you, and propel you to do something miraculous.
Understand the winds within your storm and you will find strength for your journey.
"Keep me from turning back
My hand is on the plough, my faltering hand:
But all in front of me is untilled land,
The wilderness and solitary place,
The loving desert with its interspace.
What harvest have I but this paltry grain,
These dwindling husks, a handful of dry corn,
These poor lean stalks? My courage is outworn.
Keep me from turning back.
The handles of my plough with tears are wet,
The shares with rust are spoiled, and yet, and yet,
My God! My God! Keep me from turning back."
A friend of mine once said, "We met on this day a year ago. It's our anniversary!" I remember significant days within my family. I remember birthdays, anniversaries, wedding days, graduation years, and days when a love one has passed. But, do you remember the day when you met a dear friend?
Life is so short and friends are so few, we should never take those relationships for granted. It is rare for childhood friends to remain friends as adults. If you retain those childhood friends can your relationship mature and deepen as the years go marching by?
Treasure those moments one spends with a friend. Establish an anniversary day and communicate with them the importance and significance they mean to your life. We are affirmed in relationships. We find love in relationships. We learn confidentiality in relationships. We have companionship in relationships. Ultimately we discover God in relationship.
The wisdom literature of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of intimate friendships. Verse 17:17 says, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Verse 18:24 reminds us, "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
Have you found a true friend? Try Jesus! The songwriter says, "There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus. No not one! No not one!"
In life there are something's you shouldn't do. I call these things, "nots." Your "nots" may not be my "nots." I submit everybody has some "nots."
In Colossians 2:21 (KJV) you find these cautions, "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"
How profound are these words? What is it that you should not handle? What is it that you should not taste? What is it that you should not touch?
I can't answer these questions for you. All I can do is suggest to you that everybody has some "nots."
Those things that are your Achilles heel. Those things that are your weakness. Those things that will make you sick or sin.
Last night 19 year old American tennis player, Sloane Stephens, faced 31 year old 15th Grand Slam title holder and 5 time Australian Open winner, Serena Williams. For the past 14 years, Serena Williams has been a champion and an ironic image in the world of sports. Her powerful serve and quick reactions put fear in her opponents. Her muscular physique and discipline training habits was the awe of the female tennis circuit. For a very long time she has been the giant of women's tennis.
Her opponent in the quarter finals of the Australian Open was 5'7" Sloane Stephens. She was ranked 29th in the world. She has never won a Grand Slam title and being in the quarter finals was the deepest she had ever been in a final's tournament. She was young and inexperienced at playing at this level and against an opponent of Serena's caliber. But she was determined, her training and hours of practiced paid off, she beat Serena to advance to the semi-finals.
Everyone faces large, looming situations were the odds are stacked against you. Everyone figuratively has to face a Goliath in their life. Your battle may not be witnessed on the world stage. Your battle may be in the secret space of your mind and spirit. Will you go down in defeat to your Goliath? Or, will you fight your opponent with a determination that this time you will win?
That's the attitude one must have when you face your opposing force that is seeking to deny you, to deter you, to destroy you, and/or to defeat you. This time fight the good fight with the confidence that God will be with you.
In 1Samuel 17:37, before David went out to fight Golaith, he said, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and The Lord be with you."
You can win your battle against the odds, if you live in such a way that God will be with you.
Yesterday many of us listened to the Inagural Address of President Barack H Obama. It was an powerful speech that contained some amazing things. He reminded us that " we must do things together, as one nation and one people." He challenged us, "That is our generation's task-to make these words, these rights, these values of life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness real for every American."
Every now and then you hear some amazing words that lift your heart from dispair, that buoy your hopes over the waves of indecision, that transcends your desolate moment and transports you to an oasis in space. Words have power when they have transcendent meaning.
Luke 2:17,18 (KJV) records these words when Mary and Joseph, "Heard Some Amazing Things:" "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds."
The shepards carry the news of the amazing things the angels had told them about the coming of the a messiah.
I've come to realize in life's journey Angels can speak to you. Through the transformative power of God's word they are able to turn your situation around, liberate you from some bondage, and create enduring relationships that become loving. Angels can speak to you in such a profound way your soul feels salvation and your spirit can acknowledge peace.
Take the time to listen to the Angels tell you the amazing things God has in store for you.
I joined the millions of viewers who watched the NFC and AFC Championship Football games yesterday. Eventual winners were two teams coached by brothers: The Baltimore Ravens and The San Francisco 49ers. I am partial to The Ravens and believe they will win The Superbowl in two weeks. There will be a lot of media build up to this contest. How do the parents feel? Who will they root for? This is Ray Lewis' last game, what does that mean? So many questions will be asked only to be answered by the sounding of the final whistle and the awarding of The Lombardi Trophy to the winner. The winners will get fortune, fame, endorsements, bonuses, massive rings, and a parade in their hometown. The millions of viewers and fans will get memories and bragging rights that will go to the winning team's hometown.
After all the hype, what does it really mean?
Philippians 3:8 (KJV) provides some Biblically insight, "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.
After all the fanfare and hoopla of life, only what you do for Christ will last. Paul says everything else is but dung.
Live life and play to win Jesus Christ in your life. Then you will celebrate for eternity.
On January 20,2013 at 12:00 noon, President Barack H. Obama will be sworn in as The President of The United States in a private ceremony. The public reenactment will be held tomorrow on the steps of the Capital at 12:00 noon. It is my prayer I will be able to witness him taking the oath of office as I did on January 20,2009.
Oaths are significant in that its the symbolic binding of persons to an agreement. The implication is that your words will commit your character to execute the terms agreed upon.
You will find no greater oath in scripture than the one God makes to humankind. While God keeps his promise humankind continually breaks their part of the bargain.
Read Jeremiah 11 and you will discover the effects of breaking an oath with God. The oath God offers seems to be one any would desire, "Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your Hod: that I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O Lord." Jeremiah 11:4,5 (KJV).
Affirm the oath God has made with you be obeying His word and following His will for your life.
The brevity of life reminds me to "take some time to smell the roses." Too often we focus upon the thorns we see and fail to marvel at the beauty. Too often we permit others to negatively effect our mood and temperament instead of seeking the peace and contentment God has always available to you.
Last night I had an amazing experience watching and listening to Lalah Hathaway perform at the Howard Theater. For me the highlight was when she sung, "A Song For you." This was the signature song that her father Donny Hathaway would sing. Instantly I was transported to Blues Alley, an intimate jazz club located in Georgetown, in the winter of 1978. I was in the audience listening to her father, Donny, singing the same song. As those two experiences connected together, I silently thanked God for allowing me to have the opportunity to connect these two marvelous experiences within my own life. No one knew as a tear rolled down my cheek the joy I felt in that moment. God had blessed me with an opportunity to "take time to smell the roses, " once again.
When have you experienced breath-taking moments, indescribable situations, magnificent marvels, or celestial scenes? When have you felt deep spiritual moments that stimulate fond memories? When was the last time you experienced joy?
I'm reminded of a scripture verse found in The Book of Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV), "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of The Lord is your strength."
Exercise your strength by experiencing the joy God has available to you everyday.
The other day I encountered the term " haters." It seems that "haters" are persons who don't like you, they oppose you, and do and say things to hurt you. Some are jealous of you and envious of what you have and do. Their goal in life is to make you miserable.
You may have experienced the painful darts of haters in your life. People who talk scandalously behind your back. People who are so eager to stab you in the back. People who are spreading rumors that have demonic intent.
What do you do if you discover " haters" are at your front door?
David in Psalm 109 responds to his " haters" by prayer to God. "while they curse, may you bless; may those who attack me be put to shame, but may your servant rejoice."
David understood how to deal with deceit. "They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship."
David's secret in dealing with his "haters" was revealed in verse 4, "in return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer."
Be careful "haters" when you are dealing with a person of prayer. You may soon discover your opposition may be the anger of The Lord.
Nothing destroys a bond of trust like breaking a promise. There is something inherent in a promise that speaks to the essence of one's character. There was a time when your word was your bond. In the helther skelter pace of today's world, most people easily forget what they said and look for ways to renege on promises. Legal contracts are used for everything. For example when a marriage vow was given there wasn't a need for a contract. I do was suppose to mean I do until death do us part. But I do seems to sometimes mean only until I engage in another relationship and the assets I have stay with me. How tragic working relationships and/or loving relationships have been reduced to contracts because people so easily break promises.
David is praying to The Lord in 2 Samuel 7:25-26 (NIV), "And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever. Then people will say'The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!" And the house of your servant David will be established in your sight."
The blessing in having a relationship with God is that He keeps His promises towards you. Will you keep your promise with Him?
Life teaches you not to take for granted that the bed upon which you went to slept last night became your spring board this morning and not a cooling board. Never take for granted that God woke you up this morning. God is love. Therefore, love woke you up this morning.
Lamentations 3:21-23 (KJV) "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassionate fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness."
Today is the actual birthday of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was an amazing man who transformed a movement into an international witness of people for freedom. By all accounts he was a "Drum Major" for justice. Clearly the times were ripe for a charismatic leader to step up to the plate of national prominence. He earned his stripes in the crucible of the struggle. He borne the marks of brutality, jailing, and even a stabbing. His home was bombed, his family threatened, and eventually he was killed. His time in the public arena was short. But his effect on humanity will have a long lasting effect. He lived scripture such that while his sermons were filled with loftily rhetoric; his determined walk with Jesus Christ was authentic and profound. I was fortunate to experience his effect on America. I was blessed to be a witness to his journey. Now I know that only what you do for Christ will last. The words of the Prophet Amos he would preach till ring true, "But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." Amos 5:24 (KJV)
In life when one is in trouble and you are beginning to sink, you know you are going down even when others do not see the evidence of your going down. You are beginning to sink and the foundations that are your supports are starting to give way.
It's a lonesome feeling when you are experiencing your decline, imagining your descent, and knowing your demise without benefit of any cushion to soften the fall. You are beginning to sink. While others may surround you they may not be aware that you are on the verge of drowning.
What do you do when you are beginning to sink?
Peter had this experience and reading his narrative in Matthew 14:28 - 30 (NIV). "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
The early perception of danger is the most important time to enter a petition to God. The brevity of prayer does not weaken its strength if it is sincere and spoken from a spirit that loves The Lord. The Lord knows your situation even when others close to you may be unaware. Peter perceived danger in the unseen wind. Are you so tuned into life that you can see unseen danger? People may feel the wind, but are you able to see it in a distance. Too often danger is right at our door before we are aware of it. With high spiritual antenna you will be able to see the shifts occurring in the atmosphere by the evil one. That's the movement to lift you voice, heart, and spirit to God and cry out, "Lord, save me!"
Yesterday's football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos was epic to say the least. It pitted one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time against a quarterback who is still trying to prove he is one of the elite. It featured an aging injured middle linebacker who is trying to hold back the hands of time and live to fight another day.
The ebb and flow of the game kept the audience glued to its seat with plenty to cheer for whichever team your favored. A double over time game gave you extra value and more excited tension because the game now hinged on the one mistake that would give the other team an advantage to kick the winning field goal and advance to the championship round.
The underdog Ravens won the game. The announcer goes to Ray Lewis for a reaction. Ray Lewis shocked, stunned, excited, and emotional attempts to spout biblical words, "no weapon formed will prosper."
In that moment religious minds turn to Isaiah 54:17(KJV) "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of The Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith The Lord."
I understand figurative language. I also understand analogies.
We must be careful that we don't appropriate to ourselves an exclusive sense that the things and victories of this world; the trials or triumphs of secular endeavors equal what God is doing through the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ to protect you and me from the tricks, the traps, torment and the temptations directed at you be the evil one.
This thing is more than one contest or one victory.
We are fighting to win the prize of the high calling found in Jesus Christ.
There are eight teams remaining in the National Football League's playoffs. In Baltimore all eyes will be on the Ravens at 4:30 pm as they play the Denver Broncos. All the teams have one goal in mind to win the prize of the Superbowl and for its players to get a ring. Many teams began this race at the start of the season, but only one team will win the prize.
Paul used a similar analogy in 1 Corinthians 9: 24-25. It says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
Living a Christian life is about winning the "prize" of eternal life with God through Jesus Christ. While there is no exclusivity to obtaining the "prize." There is a responsibility one must adhere to. It is to live your life in such in such a way that pleases God. Develop the discipline of a faithful prayer life, the enthusiasm for service to others, the commitment to tithe and give offerings to God, and the humility of one who understands that save the grace and mercy of God go I.
You can win the "prize" by living a discipline life that pleases and honors God.
I've discovered that these words, "I have prayed for you," are five of the most powerful words one could say to another person. I believe it is more powerful than saying, "I love you."
If you read Luke 22: 31-32(NIV) you discover Jesus saying to Peter, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Jesus doesn't say, Satan has sifted you, and therefore I will pray, He checks Satan even in his very desire, and nips it in the bud. He says, Satan has asked to sift you. He doesn't say, "But I have desired to pray for you." no, Jesus says, "I have prayed for you." I have done it already; I have gone to court and entered a counter plea even before an accusation is made.
That's what Jesus wants us to do for others, pray for them that they hold on to their faith even when Satan knocks at their doors. God honors faith, when faith honors God. The prayers of the righteous avails much.
Early in the morning and late at night take the time to pray for someone else. Your prayer may be the one that causes heaven to protect the ones you love.
"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love." 3 John 1:5 (NIV)
I had an amazing breakfast conversation with a woman who lives in Baltimore, but is a native of South Africa. She discussed with me how in her early childhood years her father impressed upon her a responsibility to give to others. Accumulate the wealth you need, but contribute the excess to better the lives of people. She received an inheritance and from those proceeds donated $1,000,000 to a charitable cause in Baltimore City. She remarked, "I wish I had met you four years ago." I replied. "All things work in God's time."
I left our meeting with a renewed sense of commitment to the cause of improving the quality of life of people. I learned early in life, "Charity begins at home. " I now understand charity can work through the church into the community when it is learned at home.
God has blessed each of us with gifts, skills, and resources. A little contribution from every one helps a lot.
"Do a good turn daily" was the Scout Motto. It is still relevant today, maybe more so.
When one has a date with a significant someone you prepare yourself in a very deliberate and special manner? You take the time necessary to get ready. You put on your best clothing and adorn yourself with your most expensive fragrance. You make certain your nails are done, your hair is right, and the best shoes are on your feet. You place the proverbial "best foot forward." You adhere to the adage, "the first impression is the best impression." You do all of that in anticipation of a date? My question is "what time is your date with God?"
Proverbs 8:17-21 reads, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgement: that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasure."
"What time is your date with God?"
I choose to make mine early in the morning while the dew is still on the roses.
After a series of taxing meetings today, one of my clergy colleagues directed me to read Psalm 65:11. Immediately it blessed me and changed my total perspective.
"You crown the year with Your goodness. And Your paths drip with abundance."
Isn't it amazing to discover that in the midst of your situation God has promised to you a year of goodness. 2013 is your year of goodness. To enjoy the year of goodness promised all one has to do is walk in God's path and to stay in God's way. If you do that God has promised to constantly drip abundance in your path. A drip of abundance is the never ending drops that come from heaven.
I pray this blog blesses you, like this verse blessed me today. This is the year God has promised goodness. David said it this way. "goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life."
Professional football player and Baltimore Raven's linebacker Ray Lewis played his final game at the Baltimore stadium. For the past 17 years he has displayed an enthusiasm for playing the game at a high level. The consummate motivator and team leader to his credit are a number of games won by the defense alone. After a winning wild card game yesterday his jersey was pulled off and printed on it was Psalm 91.
It reads, "whosoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of The Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." It ends beginning at verse 14 with these words: "Because he loves me says The Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."
It is good for a person to adopt a scripture reference as their guiding principle. In the case of Ray Lewis whose life has been on the public stage for so many years, it speaks to a spiritual and biblical grounding everyone needs. Just like Ray has a Psalm, you should have a Psalm.
"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim in the oaths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"
Psalm 8:1-9 (NIV)
God's excellence is in contrast to man's deficiency. God's immortality is in contrast to man's morality. God's power is in contrast to man's weakness. God's love is in contrast to man's apathy. God's compassion is in contrast to man's hardheartedness.
With all of man's inconsistencies, God still has a special place for you. He made you with a spark of divinity within you. He formed you out of heavenly matter. You are wonderfully made. God made you.
From that understanding God is due all glory, honor and praise. Our God is excellent!
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For The Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you." Psalm 84: 10-12 (NIV)
The biblical interpretation of the word walk is character. The palmist reminds us of the blessing of a blameless walk in the sight of God. A blameless walk acknowledges God at all times and in all things. A blameless walk is full of prayer and petition. A blameless walk is forgiving of others as one seeks the forgiveness of God. A blameless walk extends a helping hand to those who are helpless, hopeless, and hapless. A blameless walk is a faithful walk.
Always be careful how you walk as you travel the road of life.
"And yet I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal...Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 NIV
I have read and seriously studied the Bible for over 40 years. In each encounter I discover something new and more profound. In life one should strive for excellence. Excellence is an achievable state of being. It is the point where one has turned over the very nerve center of their being to God. At that point one discovers the essential element in life is love. A love that is self-sacrificial verses being self-serving. A love that empowers others verses empowering oneself. A love that enjoys giving verses receiving. A love that goes the second mile verses quitting after the first mishap. If one believes that God is love, then we are compelled to possess love as our essential element in life. Then one will become fully aware that love is the more excellent way.
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13,14 NIV
As a New Year comes across the horizon of your journey, and as you face new possibilities, you have a major decision to make. Do you carry the baggage of yesterday into your future? Do you choose to retain past hurts, unproductive relationships, destructive habits, and petty differences into a New Year?
You may say a New Year is an imaginary line in time? Nothing has really happened. My life's circumstances are still the same. When I look around the same problems are here. When I look back evil is still at my door. When I look down my footprints have made little progress. If that is the case I challenge you to look up to Jesus Christ and allow him to change you in the midst of your predicament.
If you do you will realize that God has placed in your spirit the working tools that will change your life in the New Year. He has placed in you the ability to forgive others and yourself to injustices done in the past. He had placed inside you the capacity to persevere in spite of, in the midst of, and because of life's trials and tribulations. Most importantly you possess the ability to love and love overcomes any sin you have done or has been done to you.
Therefore look up and establish a goal set for you by God. Once you have prayerfully identified it, then press towards it with the resoluteness of a person consumed in their search for God. There is a prize available to you. It's the eternal love, grace and mercy of a forgiving God. A God who looks beyond your faults and sees your need.
Be on God's team in 2013.
