Pastor Mike's Musings: 2021 Is for Jesus

New Year’s Greetings, Here we are, the first week of the new year. For many it is a time to reflect on the past year. It is also time to examine our lives and decide what we are going to do better or different. We often make resolutions to not repeat mistakes we have made in the past or to be a positive force in the year to come.

Ahh, the new year. Thank goodness it is here. Many people, if not all of us, would agree that 2020 was not the year we had anticipated. I have heard it said that if the new year is anything like the past year, there is no need to get annual planner for 2021. Granted, we are not capable of forecasting the future but not many people predicted the chaos that we’ve witnessed. So what are we going to do to insure that things turn out better?

Can we do anything to make this year a better year? I believe we can make a difference. One of the first things we need is to have hope. Some people would say it is silly to have hope for the future based on the way our world is right now. I go back to the Bible where God proclaims He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Since God is always present and watching over us, we can have hope. We have to remember that God promised to guide us through the good times and the bad. God did not tell us he would make our lives easy but he did say he would give us strength to make it through every day.

Many believe that being a Christian assure us of having a carefree and simple life. Nothing could be farther from the truth. As a Christian we face many problems and have to deal with the same issues as non-Christians.

As believers, we have the right and ability to call upon our Lord, Jesus Christ. He promises to always be with us and to guide us through the good times and the bad. When we call upon our Savior, Jesus Christ, that is when we find his true strength and comfort. Just think about what your life would be like if you had no hope and no Jesus. Another thing we should do in this new year is to invest in time. Invest in your quite, personnel time. Do you take time to read books, magazines, or newspapers that promote good news, ideas, and thoughts?

Do you invest any time in reading the Bible or devotions that that can change your outlook on life? There is an old proverb that says “you will be known by the company you keep.” When I think of company I think of all the things around me that makes me who I am. I try to surround myself with positive people. I try to read books and newspapers that have positive stories and news.

(Not everything that surrounds us is positive because of the world we live in, but don’t dwell on the negative). The company I try to keep helps make me a better person and a more positive influence on others. Think about the new year before us. Invest time in yourself to make this year a better year. Read the good news the Bible offers. Read positive books and articles.

Think about the hope that we have and how the future will be brighter if we cling to hope. Spend time in prayer, talking to God and seeking his wisdom. Invest, invest, invest. Believe me, you’re worth it. Peace and blessings for the NEW YEAR.