Homepage Message: January 2008

With Christmas only a few weeks past, most of us have received gifts that are new. New tools, cloths, toys, appliances and more. It is enjoyable to discard the old things that are breaking down or are worn out and replace them with the new. In a way you can start a new with what you received.

We are now in a new year: 2008. In many ways we have an opportunity to open a new year and make a fresh start. A new year that doesn’t have to include our less-than-perfect habits or negative attitudes. We have a new slate to begin making changes in our lifestyle or relationships. Life doesn’t have to be a continuation of the same old routine or behavior.

Though change can be difficult, long-term and even frightening, we have a God who cares about us and shows interest in each one of us. Jesus desires to personally come into you life, help you with your relationships, guide you at work, school and leisure. He is not distant or unconcerned with the details of your life. He loves you and made the ultimate sacrifice for you. In addition he sent the Holy Spirit to live in every believer. He is God and directs us into truth, he is our counselor, enables us to pray, gives courage and divine power to be conformed to God’s standards. The Holy Spirit is given to protect us from evil, darkness and draw us to Jesus.

This can be a new beginning by surrendering an area of your life that you’ve been holding onto for yourself. It is only in surrender to Christ that you find true freedom ... and eternal life.

“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” —Matthew 10:39

We lose our lives by not living for our self, but turning it all over to the one who created us in his image, who died in our place and loves us with an everlasting and unconditional love.

However, if you will not let go of running your life and are determined to keep God at a distance then true life/freedom will not be a reality, but only an illusion.

We encourage you to learn more about how to make 2008 a different year by handing over the reigns of life to Jesus Christ.

May you have a blessed new year.