A New Year's message to start 2008

We are blessed by God with the beginning of a New Year.

Recently I sent a Bible study to a friend where I commented that I find that I often treat prayer like a Christmas list, asking God for the things that I want and that I think I need in my life.  I have found that God may not give me what I really need until I let go of a few old habits and make more room.  Maybe some of you feel the same way.

Matthew 6:33 tells us "...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, an all these things shall be added to you."

The beginning of the New Year offers us the opportunity to make resolutions that matter - an opportunity to pursue a new beginning, to transform our commitment and words into conviction and action, and to put our spiritual households into order.  Not only for the coming year but for the rest of our lives.  Perhaps we should start this New Year by listing some of those old habits that, with God's help, will be eliminated from our life.

I'll confess a couple of things I resolve to eliminate in 2008.

A focus on a need to have a lot of money:

Luke 16:13 tells us that God and money cannot both have first place in our lives.  Other scripture warns against putting too much value on possessions.  Remember, if you put God first, then...

A worrisome attitude:

Jesus tells us not to worry, because life is more important than physical things.  He gave us several illustrations to prove His point.  The birds of the air (Mt. 6:26) are fed by the heavenly father, and the lilies of the field (Mt. 6:28) grow in such a way that their splendor is greater than even Solomon's.

Of course your list may be different (i.e. to be number one, to fit in, to be attractive, or to be strong).

We need to resolve to change our minds, our hearts, and our lives, resolving to discern not our own wills and desires, but the Lord's.  These resolutions should not be something that is restricted to the beginning of a new year.

Remember, God is the giver of all good things.

April and I want to take a moment to wish you and your families a Happy and prosperous New Year, good health, warm friendships, and above all the blessings of God.