January 2007
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Psalm 25:4-5 The beginning of a new year is a great time to look back and reflect and look forward to the coming year with hopes and dreams. It’s also a great time to give thanks to God for his steadfast love and faithfulness and to pray for God’s guidance in our lives.
So, what are the highlights for you this past year? Did you travel? Did you find a good balance between work and play? Did you worship and grow in your faith? What are the growth areas or things you simply need to move beyond?
Maybe you are one of the many who will make a New Year’s resolution. Some vow to exercise more (or start to exercise). Some vow to eat right. Some vow to stop a bad habit. Some vow to simply be a better person – kind to others, help others, wiser with your finances.
Many of the Psalms serve as models of asking for God’s guidance whether it be for life in general or in the face of trials and tribulation. For most of us, we are good about asking for God’s help in the time of hardship. What we need to work at is asking for God’s help and guidance in the routine times of our life. Are you ready for a New Year’s challenge?
Strengthen your private devotional life. Take time to read the Bible and pray each day because it is as important as eating right and exercising daily. Prayer is a wonderful time to pray for the needs of others. And, prayer is a good place to ask for God’s direction in life. What are those gifts that God has given you? What new and exciting focus is God calling you to? Where will you proclaim God’s presence and witness to Jesus Christ in your life? Where will you be the hands and feet of Christ this year? How will you give thanks for all God has done for you? If you need to write down your plan – do it, so you can look at your list in a couple of months and see where you have done well or where you need to improve.
Our journey of faith is an important part of balance in our lives – but it doesn’t just happen to you. It involves worship, prayer, learning, sharing, giving of time and talents, faithful stewardship – all those things which come to us as a gift from God. Make a commitment to walking daily with Jesus and you will find the journey exciting!
In Christ,
Pastor Becky
