Hello, Altered Stories Family,
Have you ever unwrapped something that had a new smell attached to it? A new toy, a new car, a new video game? I love that feeling.
Soon, we will be approaching a New Year with all-new possibilities, hopes, and dreams. So, how do we approach that honestly, and in the way that God would have us walk? Will you adopt the command found in Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)? “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
As we come to the end of this year, we come to the end of a checkpoint not so much a finish line; the finish line comes when everything is said and done. God will do what He said He would do in Revelation 21 “Behold I am making all things new the old things are passed away behold the new has come.”
So, how should we approach this coming year? Let us take some time and reflect. What are some things that we can let go? What we can carry on into the New Year and what are some things that we need to release to God, asking forgiveness and doing our best not to repeat them?
We don’t always get everything right; we’re going to stumble and we’re going to mess up. Thank God for His grace. There’s also the consideration that maybe this year was not the best for you. Maybe, you had some issues; maybe this is one of those years you would love to close the door on and forget it ever happened? We can thank God that he says his mercies are new every single morning. You and I can get a fresh start even right now.
If you haven’t been walking with God for a while, now is a great time to come home. If you’ve never known him, it’s as simple as ABC. Admit that you are a sinner, that you cannot get in Heaven on your own. Believe that God is who he says he is Jesus Christ, son of God and Son of Man; He came to live the life you could not live and died a death you deserve. He paid the penalty for our sin. He is coming back again physically to set up his kingdom.
Finally, Confess your newfound faith to someone else. You can let us know, or you can tell the Pastor or someone in your family or friend. The Bible says to confess with your mouth that he is Lord and believe in your heart that Jesus is raised from the dead.
I hope this blog has encouraged you. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
God bless,
Teresa
