A New Year, A New You

     Happy New Year! Every time we think of another year about to begin we think of all the things we want to change in our lives. The classic "New Years Resolutions." Just the thought makes me laugh. We all know that the ambition we have to fulfill the goals we place for the new year will only last for a few days ( or a week at the most). That's alright it doesn't mean you are defeated. I think people sometimes forget that you can make small changes any time you want. You don't need to wait for another year to begin. What I am mainly saying is don't beat yourself up. Stay positive. Last night we had a New Years Eve service followed by communion. We wanted to enter the new year be rededicating ourselves back to God. As humans it's very easy to be distracted. It's very easy to be lazy. It's very easy to put everything else before God. I will admit that I am guilty of all of these things and more. I'm learning that I cannot change myself. Yes, I can make a decision to start exercising everyday, or change my diet, or find a hobby, etc. But when it comes to my nature such as temper, arrogance, self pride, laziness, etc. then that's when I have to humble myself and admit to God that I cannot change without him. Yeah, you may do good on your own for a few days but it won't last. The reason, because we think we are more capable than God. Do we forget that we are the creation and He the Creator? The book of Hebrews is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Last night before service I was reading chapter 3. There was a verse that stuck out to me, verse 2-6. I may not understand everything in these verses but what I took from it was this, "… as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God." When I think of a house I think of a dwelling place or a vessel (in which some quality or character is infused). We can understand how the person who built the house is or more value than the house itself. Why? If it wasn't for the builder than there would be no house. Simple. This portion of chapter 3 reminded me that Jesus Christ, the Creator of heavens and earth, breathed life into me. I am His dwelling place and He the builder. So I need to come before God realizing that this house (me) is nothing without the builder (Him). I am empty and useless without Him. So as we enter the new year remember that the life that God has graced us with is to be lived for Him. Don't fret over anything. God will produce the change that we need. For we die to self but live in Him. We don't need to be like everyone else, be who God created you to be. Enjoy the year of 2020 and praise God in the meantime. God Bless You!