It is once again the beginning of a new year. We have been blessed to live another day and to see the beginning of 2019. It is a good time to reflect on our lives and to take stock of our lives as we strive to live them for the Lord. What have we accomplished thus far in our lives and what do we hope to accomplish in the time that we have left? Are we thankful for what we have and are our hearts and minds open and giving toward our God and toward others? Are we living as we should or are there changes we should make to improve our service to God?

First of all, we should count the many blessings we have received in this life. We should be thankful for all the material blessings and for our life itself as we move forward into the new year. What if all these things were suddenly taken away? Would we remain faithful and continue to serve God as before? What do all these things really mean to us in the long run?

We have no more precious things than the spiritual blessings that God has given us. It is through God and his Son that we are able to live quiet, unassuming and peaceful lives on this great earth that they have created for us. If we did not have God, what would we have? The material blessings mean nothing in the face of heaven and the eternity that we all face. Let’s take stock and determine if we will truly live now and forever with and for God or if we will live a selfish and self seeking life for a short while and spend eternity separated from God and all of His blessings. As we move into a new year let’s reaffirm our commitment to live for God and His Son.

Nothing really changes New Years day and life goes on as before unless we stop and consider our lives and how we have been living them. If we have never fully committed ourselves to the Lord, we should make that commitment now. God has no pleasure in one who when after putting their hand to the plow, stops and turns away instead of plowing on ahead and getting the job done. (See Luke 9:62) If we have begun to live for God but turned away before reaching the end for any reason, let’s renew our commitment and turn back to God before it is too late. Jesus said:“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”

We should adopt this attitude in that while we are able we will work for the Lord and do the things that He would have us do. We should work His works. We should be thankful that we are able to do as He would have us do and do it with all of our might. As we move forward into 2019, let’s all resole to do His work more completely and more fully in our lives. If we do so we cannot go wrong and look forward to a home in heaven with him some day.

If you have not been living as you should and need the prayers of the saints or if you have never become a child of God you should make things right as you have the opportunity. None of us may see New Years 2020 ever come. We are not guaranteed even another hour or minute or day, much less a year. So, if you are not in a right relationship with God you need to remedy your situation immediately. At any rate let’s all renew our commitment to serve the Lord and truly learn to do his works while we yet have opportunity.

May God bless and keep you until next time.