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New Year-New Start!

The New Year offers many new and exciting possibilities. Of course none of us are sure even of today. We are to say, “Should the Lord will, we shall live and do this or that.”
(James 4:13-15 in the Holy Bible)

Having said that let us consider the common ‘New Year’s’ resolution. As for me I like to focus on the year ending and a fresh year beginning. Often we consider past triumphs and failures and seek to make a fresh start. That is good.

Some things in the past cannot be changed but we can make new responses. Some things can be done in new and better ways. Look at your strong points and consider your weaknesses. Together they give us a brief look at ourselves. Think of the life of Jesus and in that mirror we see ourselves. This reveals our need for change and new resolutions.

Some of us do not want to look at ourselves especially after all the eating at Christmas time. Ha! However it has a point. What is your condition and how can you improve it?

Just knowing you need change is a step forward.

Now consider what changes need to be made in your mind, body and spirit.

Perhaps a few notes would be good now.

What are others saying about you?
Are they saying you are losing control of your emotions, eating too much, drinking too much, angry, complaining, down on your self, etc.?
Is it true?

What are ‘you’ saying about yourself? Are you in control of your emotions and attitudes? Are you doing what ‘you’ know to be right? Are you at peace in your heart? Are you down on yourself? Are you addicted to something? Are you free to live and express yourself? Do you feel trapped and confined? Are you following through with your personal goals? Do you have discipline and self-control?

What do you think God is saying about you? Or even put another way what are you thinking about God?

Our views of what others think about us and what we thing about ourselves may be incorrect or tainted. This is true even about what we think God thinks about us.

Here is a thought. Ask God to help you in this self-examination.
David a man of God and writer of the Book of Psalms in the Bible says this:

Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Try me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
(Psalms 139:23-24 in the Holy Bible)

Ask God to reveal to you your needs and weaknesses and sins. Then one by one repent. Ask God to change your heart and mind. Then move forward in living out the inter changes of your heart. That takes commitment and self-control.

There are several key scriptures that are vitally important to me.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy,
think on these things..
For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.

(From Philippians 4th chapter in the Holy Bible)

Consider this:
Pray about everything!
Worry about nothing!
Thank God in all things!
Think on the good and pure!
Jesus Christ can meet your every need!

After considering the above now ponder the following. This is also some of the key Bible verses in my life. The following passage, has been my passion since I was just a child.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God’.
(Romans 12:1-2 in the Holy Bible)

Start the Year with Jesus! Should you not know Him pray and welcome Him into your life as Lord and Savior.

Those of you who are followers of Jesus, the best commitment you could make would be to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and be a witness for Jesus to the lost. Seek to lead others to Jesus and be a active loving and caring witness.
To lead a person from the path that leads to eternal separation from God in Hell. To know Jesus and have Eternal Life! What greater mission on earth.

May we live this year and always in the Will, Way, and Power of Jesus; Loving others and serving God.

Have a blessed and Happy New Year lived in the will of God.

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,

Arthur and Denise Blessitt
Luke 18:1