Happy New Year 2019

What will you do with new opportunity? How will you use it?

The world we are in (at least here in the USA) is so divided, isolated, and partial to whom we will show allegiance.

This past year was marked with people reacting rather than responding to events as we left our mark in the history books without really making anything good from all of our efforts.

This past year was marked with people choosing sides and people being asked; “Whose side are you on?” as we further drove wedges between each other.

Enough division! Enough choosing sides! Enough is enough people! Let’s step out, forgetting the past, and make a difference in our world.

The world is looking for some heroes who will cross party lines and show love to those who are not like “us”. 

Jesus told a story of “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37) to explain whom we are called to reach out to. In the story it was the religious folks who were too busy to cross over to the other side of the street and show mercy on a person who needed their help.

In fact, in the story, the man who helped out was an “enemy” of the one who needed his help.

This is a New Year; A Fresh Start; A Chance to Do It Differently. How 2019 turns out to be partially in your control based upon how you choose to view it.

As Oswald Chambers wrote:

“As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness.

But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us.

Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future.

Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.”

The question one year from now will still be; “how did you make a difference in this world this year?”

The Apostle Paul wrote:

 ^“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

Jesus said (in the story of the Good Samaritan);

So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

You may be asking; "So, how do I do this?"

To be straight forward, you can't do it on your own...

Billy Graham wrote:

"Are you trying to face an uncertain future without the Lord Jesus Christ? Only in Christ will you find real hope and, ultimately, eternal life. He calls you to turn away from sin and to receive Jesus Christ by faith as your Lord and Savior. 

You can do that right now, wherever you are. You'll begin a relationship with God, and He promises that you will be forgiven and become a completely new person."

Then, and only then will you make a difference in this world that will be for good and for the glory of God.

Happy New Year! I’m pulling for you to make a difference this new year!