Loving God, may the fullness of a relationship with You be this dear reader in all the days of this New Year; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Happy New Year! Here it is, 2012! And as Hollywood tried to warn us, it is the final year of existence for the human race! And this based on a Mayan calendar that simply runs out this year and then it starts again.
Our text for today is one recommended by my lovely wife for a New Year's verse, Matthew 6: 33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (The Message).
Many people always ask at the start of a New Year, What does this year hold for me? And the answer is, God only knows and God's not telling! What we do know, as the hymn writer said, But we do know who holds this year! It's God. The modern language of this version shares some key thoughts for us and how we could and should live: If we immerse ourselves in the knowledge that God exists and God is with us; that is "God-reality." If we believe we do have a plan and purpose for our lives and that each day brings us closer to fulfilling that for ourselves if we listen for and trust in, God; that is "God-initiative." If we truly believe Christ in His words in that powerful prayer we call the Lord's Prayer and we ask and believe God does provide for "our daily bread," then that is God-provisions. Too many of us miss out by worrying so much about little details and we don't see the big, awesome picture that God is painting for us. God is in the present and God will be in the future, but our attention and energy should be right here, right now to whatever God is doing in your life and personal ministry. Listen again to that last verse, "God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Amen!
PRAYER: Loving God, this gift of a New Year comes from You. I also know that whatever I may encounter, whatever I may need, I need trust only in You. Let that be my resolve for a better me in this New Year; that I do fully and truly trust in You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
