NEW BEGINNINGS

 By G. Craige Lewis


James 1:25 - 'But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law - the law that sets you free and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.'  

A new year is already here. And there are so many things that come with a new year, including the need for resolutions. People usually feel that the beginning of year is when change should occur and new ideas, behaviors, direction, etc. should begin. Well, there is nothing wrong with setting goals for yourself, but never forget the basics. The basics are: live for God and he will bless you! I have heard new years sermon after sermon. Cliche after cliche! Rhyme after rhyme! "We gonna win in 2011" "You will be thin in 2011" or "Give up the sin in 2011!" - It's the year of destiny, the year of prosperity, the year of plenty, the year of breakthrough, the year of the 10th (tithes), etc. Some preachers get their kicks out of saying what type of year it is gonna be for you and the truth of the matter is, the rules never change. Live for God and he will bless you!

Let this be the year that you depend on God totally for all that you need. Let this be the year that you trust him for what you should desire and your total direction. But most importantly, let this be the year that God can depend on you. No more in and out. No more doubt and fear. No more self serving spells. Let this be a true year of soul prosperity and peace. Those things come by serving him. You will hear favor message after favor message from many of the hype-preachers in the country this year. But remember this. GOD GRANTS FAVOR WHEN HE IS PLEASED!. If your ways please him, he will grant you favor. But if you are not pleasing him, then you are not operating in his favor, but you are operating in luck and your own ability! Let this be a true year for the favor of God on your life. Seek him and his ways without gimmicks and cliches. If you keep seeking him, you will find him. And if you keep pleasing him, you will have his favor!

Suggested Reading:  2Tim. 4:3, James 5:12, Gal. 6:16