New Year, new start
Date Posted: Friday, December 28, 2007Author: Pastor Maria Seaman
Faith
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Bermuda, this has been quite some year. Christmas Day celebrations have concluded and now we begin to look toward the possibilities of a New Year. A New Year! What can a New Year mean? A New Year can mean that the possibilities are endless. An approaching New Year allows us to give serious thought to how we managed the Old Year. With this in mind, we can begin to think about how we might change the way we think and behave, so we can bring about desired, healthy consequences for decisions we will make.
With a fresh New Year, we can make fresh new footprints in our walk through life. What an opportunity we will have – God willing. Think about it; with God’s guidance we can forge a trail that no one has ever traveled before. For this blessing, I believe that only divine help will do.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
This is a wonderful scripture verse for every Bermudian to consider at this time of the year. Isn’t it comforting to know that we have a heavenly Father who is a good caretaker, and who has already taken care of our future for us?
You know what? This scripture verse should be every Christian’s admonition to each person we meet. We must think well towards others and let them know that God has a future for them. We must give others a sense of real hope for what is ahead for them.
This verse will encourage all, no matter where they find themselves at any given moment. There are those who will find themselves in a financial pickle or two, while others will continue to avoid money challenges. Admittedly, Christmas and this festive season can plunge some into the doldrums. Unfortunately many judge the quality of their life according to the quantity of gifts they are able to give, forgetting the amount of dollars which they currently have reasonable access to. While it is beneficial and wise to spend only according to what one’s purse truly allows, this is not the rule of thumb for many. Sadly, there are those who automatically believe that the first three months of the year are meant to pay off the bills from the Christmas season.
In order to truly have a peaceful and Happy New Year, we must realize that God has a wonderful plan for us, and that this plan will unfold beautifully. However, the key to manifesting God’s plan is to know the plan, and to be obedient to God’s instructions for fulfilling the plan. We must also recognize that what did not work to our benefit and to the blessings of others this year, cannot be repeated in the New Year.
God’s plan is perfect and we must examine ourselves and find out if we are in God’s perfect, rather than permissive, will. In this forthcoming year, may we be diligent and unbending in seeking to attain the results deserved from following after the plan, purpose and destiny of God. Happy New Year, Bermuda!