New Year - Abundant Opportunities

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Titus 2:11-12

We have just embarked on a brand new year filled with abundant opportunities. Looking back maybe you are not overly excited about your walk this past year with Christ. Are there some areas in your life that need fine tuning regarding your relationship with the Lord? Is your life a reflection of Christ-life character? Do your friends, family and co-workers truly know what your life represents? If you are not pleased with the answers to these questions this is the time to make changes. God has given each of us a second chance to make 2008 a great year in our journey with Him.

God tells us that we must pick up the cross DAILY and follow Him. It isn't something we can do once a month and be successful as a Christian. Serving Christ doesn't always bring warm and fuzzy feelings to our soul. Many times we experience a gut wrenching feeling in the pit of our stomach. I thank God today for the gut wrenching feeling and the awesome power of the Holy Spirit! Where would we be without it? I am thankful that the Holy Spirit continuously draws me to Christ. I am thankful that I recognize clearly right from wrong and do not tolerate compromise in my life as I serve Christ.

God forgives me when I sin but He also expects me NOT to repeat that same sin again and again and again. He looks deep within our hearts which no one else has the ability to do. God knows every fiber of our being. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Christ requires each of us to pick up the cross DAILY and follow Him. Not the sins of this world and the corruption that goes along with it. He requires holiness and the pursuit of holiness as we cultivate our relationship with Him.

I am thankful that God is a God of second chance. I am thankful that we have been given the opportunity to demonstrate our God given talents and abilities for His Kingdom in 2008. I am thankful that God loved us enough to give His only Son for our sins so that we may have eternal life in heaven IF we choose to follow Him. I am thankful for God's Words of encouragement as we read the Bible and pray daily.

God is an awesome God. He is our source and our strength. Plug into the source and trust Him in all things. Watch Him do an incredible work through your life this year!

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Blessings to you today!