Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Out with the Old and in with the New
"Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go. “~Brooks Atkinson
Scripture:
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 (New King James Version)
As we draw near to the end of another year, many of us find ourselves rejoicing that the year is coming to a close and we hold expectations of better things to come in the New Year. There are many things that we are glad to leave behind as many of us have suffered through some things. The year 2009 was another year fraught with all kinds of losses; jobs, homes, friends and family. But it was also a year filled with blessings as well.
I for one had a year filled with blessings. There were a lot of “firsts” for me. I published my first novel, went on my first cruise and witnessed the election of our first African American President. My year was full of ups and downs. However, I thank God that I am here to see the dawning of another year, a new century.
There have been many occasions in my past when I didn’t think I would make it to the next year. I realize that because of some situations that I found myself in, I am blessed that I did. It is only by the grace of God that I can say that and it is only by God’s grace that I am still here.
There is one very important thing that I have come to realize as well and that is; we do not have to wait until January 1st each year to begin again. God in his illustrious wisdom freely gives us fresh grace and mercy with the dawning of each new day.
Yes, New Years day ushers in a new year, but the Grace of God gives us a brand new day to begin again.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we come once again, entering into Your gates with songs of praise on our tongues, lifting up Holy hands in adoration to You. We bow down before the throne of grace, the throne that is Yours alone, because we know that You are the one and only Living God. Father, as we begin another day, another week, another month, a new year; we pray that Your presence in our lives be magnified not only for our well-being, but so others may see You working in our lives. Father God, I ask that if I have sinned against You in thought or action, that You would forgive me. Help me Lord, to be mindful of those around me. Lord, I pray for a spirit that can recognize when my prayers, my thought, or my actions become selfish. Lord, may I reach out to someone else today. Someone who may have a need that I can meet. If I can speak a kind word, or do a good deed for someone else today, help me to grab the moment. Father, I pray that You would use me to bless someone else today in Your name. Help me to see that the world around me is much bigger that myself or my family. I am a member of the Body of Christ. As a member, it is my responsibility to watch and care for the rest of my body. Lord, help me to see the joy in life through Your eyes. Not through the eyes of the world. Keep us all Lord in perfect peace as You continue to bless our families, friends, co-workers and brothers and sisters in Christ. We love You Lord with all that we are and all that You are to us. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 (New King James Version)
As we draw near to the end of another year, many of us find ourselves rejoicing that the year is coming to a close and we hold expectations of better things to come in the New Year. There are many things that we are glad to leave behind as many of us have suffered through some things. The year 2009 was another year fraught with all kinds of losses; jobs, homes, friends and family. But it was also a year filled with blessings as well.
I for one had a year filled with blessings. There were a lot of “firsts” for me. I published my first novel, went on my first cruise and witnessed the election of our first African American President. My year was full of ups and downs. However, I thank God that I am here to see the dawning of another year, a new century.
There have been many occasions in my past when I didn’t think I would make it to the next year. I realize that because of some situations that I found myself in, I am blessed that I did. It is only by the grace of God that I can say that and it is only by God’s grace that I am still here.
There is one very important thing that I have come to realize as well and that is; we do not have to wait until January 1st each year to begin again. God in his illustrious wisdom freely gives us fresh grace and mercy with the dawning of each new day.
Yes, New Years day ushers in a new year, but the Grace of God gives us a brand new day to begin again.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we come once again, entering into Your gates with songs of praise on our tongues, lifting up Holy hands in adoration to You. We bow down before the throne of grace, the throne that is Yours alone, because we know that You are the one and only Living God. Father, as we begin another day, another week, another month, a new year; we pray that Your presence in our lives be magnified not only for our well-being, but so others may see You working in our lives. Father God, I ask that if I have sinned against You in thought or action, that You would forgive me. Help me Lord, to be mindful of those around me. Lord, I pray for a spirit that can recognize when my prayers, my thought, or my actions become selfish. Lord, may I reach out to someone else today. Someone who may have a need that I can meet. If I can speak a kind word, or do a good deed for someone else today, help me to grab the moment. Father, I pray that You would use me to bless someone else today in Your name. Help me to see that the world around me is much bigger that myself or my family. I am a member of the Body of Christ. As a member, it is my responsibility to watch and care for the rest of my body. Lord, help me to see the joy in life through Your eyes. Not through the eyes of the world. Keep us all Lord in perfect peace as You continue to bless our families, friends, co-workers and brothers and sisters in Christ. We love You Lord with all that we are and all that You are to us. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
