New Years day is just a random point on the calendar.  It is not the first day of winter, or anything meaningful like that.  While many have accepted the date according to the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese new year actually begins on January 26 this year.  So what this means is that New Year’s Day is just another day.

But after saying that, I must say that for being just another day, it is a wonderful opportunity.  It may just be a random day that someone decided should mark the beginning of our calendar year, but in our hearts and minds it can be a chance for a new beginning.  It gives us a chance to put the past behind us and move into a new future, a future that is ripe with possibilities because God is Lord of the future. 

On this New Year’s Eve, let me encourage you to begin by looking back through the year and thinking of all the ways that God has blessed you during 2009.  You may be surprised at just how blessed you have been.  As you look back, however, you will probably discover that as faithful as God has been, you have not been as faithful.  Do not be discouraged.  This is a wonderful opportunity to confess this before God, so that you can begin 2010 with a clean slate.  Let God cleanse you, and prepare you for what is to come.

Now let’s look to the future.  In what ways could you be more faithful to God in 2010?  Perhaps studying God’s word.  If that is your goal, I have attached some information that has some Bible reading plans near the end.  These came to me through our District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Barnes.  There are also some on line reading schedules that will send you the readings for the day.

Another area in which you might wish to be more faithful to God is in prayer.  I am excited about the study on prayer we are about to embark on as a church.  I really believe that God can bless us, our families, and our church, as we become more faithful in this area of our lives.  Please do not let this opportunity go by without taking advantage of it.