So super blessed to post this message from our Dear, Dear Friend Rick Frederickson of the Springfield, Minnesota United Methodist Church. Pastor Rick and I are both from Windom, Minnesota. Rick took part in the House of Hope in Windom in August of 2018, he is such a powerful Preacher of love! In the picture above Pastor Rick and I are praying over Jim Hofflander of Mankato, Minnesota at the House of Hope.
A new year, a new you
The old year has come and gone. It has been a year of new and old, ups and downs, joy and sadness, gain and loss. 2018 was a year of change for you and for me.
In the technology world they say that the only thing that doesn’t change is change itself. I know I experienced that many times as I worked on computers. And it seems the world around us is continually changing as well. For many of us that change happens uncomfortably all too fast. I’m no different. Just like many of you, I too am the most comfortable when change occurs slowly of doesn’t happen at all!
And yet, we also know that change in Christ is good. In fact, the Bible continuously reminds us that we should change.
“Change the former way of life that was part of the person you once were, corrupted by deceitful desires. Instead, renew the thinking in your mind by the Spirit and clothe yourself with the new person created according to God’s image in justice and true holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
We are also reminded that when we truly believe in Christ as our savior, we are changed:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5: 17-18
At New Years’ time we often make resolutions of change. Change from old, bad habits. Resolutions to lose weight or be wiser with our money. Resolutions to finish the things we’ve procrastinated on all year long.
As you begin a new year I encourage you to – yes – make a change. I encourage you to begin each day in the promise of newness in Christ. For without Christ, everything else is nothing.
“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”” Revelation 21:5
Begin each day with these thoughts, which I have adapted from a message from Max Lucado:
Today I will make a difference.
Today I will begin by controlling my thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. Today I will make a difference.
Today I will be grateful for the 24-hours I have before me. Time is precious. I will refuse to allow what little time I have to be taken up by self-pit, anxiety or boredom. I will use this day for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.
Today I will not let past failures haunt me. I refuse to rummage through the trash heaps of my failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. If needed, I will seek forgiveness. It’s okay to stumble. I will get up. I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.
Today I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. Today I will spend at least five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Today I will make a difference.
Today, I will renew the thinking in my mind by the Spirit and clothe myself with the new person created according to God’s image in justice and true holiness. Today I will make a difference.
May God bless each of you this New Year. May you be a new creation daily in Christ as you begin to live life the fullness of what God has gifted you with.
These are my wishes for each of you. With love and excitement for the promise of a new life in Christ throughout each new day and the coming new year of 2019.
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