It's a New .....!
How would you finish the title? Would you say a new year, or a new beginning, or perhaps you would say a new chance to succeed? There are so many things that could finish that title. All of the things that pertain to one person might not pertain to someone else at all. But for each one of us, the new year means something.
If you are a student of history, you will find that things don't remain the same for long. I just finished reading a book about the plight of the American Indians, (Native Americans some might say), but as they can tell you, it's a different world now than it was only 200 years ago. I've been on several reservations and spoken to different groups of Indians about how they ended up where they did. Believe it or not, they aren't even mad about the treatment they received at the hands of people who clearly meant to mistreat them. But still, their lives will never be the same as they used to be. They were unable to control the events that led to them being where they are currently.
Do you control the events surrounding your life; or do you even think you do? Be assured, whether you feel you are in control or not, there is a God in heaven who IS in control.
I saw a bumper sticker a few minutes ago which read, "Pray for our president". The sticker looked old, so I assume it isn't speaking of the president-elect. Fellow Christian, no matter which side of the isle you stand on, you should pray for the president who is in office at the time. After all, you may not agree, but God is in control; to wit- "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people," (Daniel 4:17). Then Romans 9:17, we read about what God said to Pharaoh, "17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
So whether our leaders realize it or not, God has set them in office to do His bidding. It's almost comical that they think they are in control. There will be but One sovereign ruler- that One is the almighty God. So yes! This is a new year and a new beginning of sorts, but in reality, that is only our perception. Time on earth is a continuum that God has set in motion and it will not be altered. Pray to God in heaven that you might follow Christ as closely as is possible this year, so when you look back at the end of the year, you can see all the places you honored God while living here. There is a record being kept. One fine day the books will be opened. 12 "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books, (Revelations 20:12).
Happy New Year! and blessings to you as you record another set of opportunities. Make the most of this new year! Serve the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind!