TAKE A GOOD LOOK
As we begin a new year, people take stock of themselves and plan for a fresh start. They start making New Year’s resolutions to stop eating too much, to eat more healthy foods, to exercise more, to get rid of bad habits, to mend broken relationships, to make better financial decision and to make this new year better than the last.
We can all look at last year and recognize the poor decisions we made, the losses we have had, the failures caused by wrong thinking and emotions out of control. There were trials of many kinds and some not of our own doing. Before we start this new year, we need to resolve issues of the past so we don’t drag them, like a bag of rocks, into the future. |
First, we have to honestly evaluate our actions of the last year. Ask God to reveal to you where you missed it. Allow those thoughts of the past year’s events come to your mind and consider your actions. Then determine whether you need to forgive yourself or others. All troubles, frustrations, misunderstandings and arguments are rooted in sin of some kind. The purpose of searching out sin is not intended to depress you or make you feel guilty and unworthy.
This life is like walking through the woods that you know has ticks. You do your best to dress right, put on repellent and stay away from bushy areas but when you get home you search for any pests that got through your barrier. When you find a tick attached to your body, you immediately find a way to remove it without leaving the head stuck in your body. It is not your fault, it’s part of the environment.
Then, of course, you have to be observant for any after effects, like fever. If you start feeling bad or develop a fever, you must go immediately to a doctor to determine if bacteria has transferred to you by the tick bite. Hopefully, you receive antibiotics and recover from the bite. The sin in this world is just like that tick bite. We are surrounded by it, it wants to creep past our barriers, we must constantly inspect our lives and receive medication for deliverance. If we run through the forest naked, we are unwise and have no real love for our lives. |
Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon encourages us to “get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:5). He says those who get wisdom love life (see 19:8); that it's better to get wisdom than gold (see 16:16); and that those who get wisdom find life and receive favor from the Lord.
We begin each year with the search for sin. We know that, “nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:2). When we find sin, we own it, confess it, and receive removal of the sin, just as it says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
We begin each year with the search for sin. We know that, “nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:2). When we find sin, we own it, confess it, and receive removal of the sin, just as it says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Then we must hold on to our “hope” that we are cleansed and whole again. Just as it says in Heb 10:23, we “...hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.” Our restoration is now complete and our strength will be restored. We can go forth and rise to new heights. We may have to go to others to make things right. Often, we must just choose to forgive those who have injured us. We will have strength to do what is right and have the energy to persevere. Isaiah 40:31 God has plans for you. “Plans for peace and not for calamity, to give you a hope and a future. Jer 29:11 |
Visiting the Body of Christ
We have been visiting churches in the area in the hope of networking with fellow Christians as we search to bring unity, and build the Kingdom of God. It is amazing to see the work that these bodies are doing for their communities. We hope to visit your church in the weeks to come!
First Baptist Church of Deer Trail - Pastor Sam Courts Journey Church Strasburg - Pastor Dusty Morris Calvary Baptist Bennett- Pastor Bob McCurley Mountain View Christian Strasburg - Pastor Donn Headley Strasburg Community Church - Pastor Steve Musser Living Springs Cowboy Church Byers- Pastor Zac Sanger Save the Cowboy Kiowa - Kevin Weatherby Cornerstone Fellowship - Pastor Keith Sauder |
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Galatians 6:2 encourages fellow believers to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. As a community, we are bound together with the love of Christ. We exhibit that love through prayer for one another. Someone in our midst may be hurting, believing for a new job, seeking direction from God. When we come together in agreement for each other, we see God begin to work! We want to agree with you. We encourage our readers to let us know what we can all agree on for you. If you have a specific need that you would like us to pray for, let us know. The Word of God compels us to pray for one another in the community where we live. So agree with us as we pray for each other!
Simply fill out the form below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Simply fill out the form below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Community Prayer List
Calling all Prayer Warriors:
-Pray for BM for healing in his back and upcoming surgeries to go well.
-Pray for RG, he is home from rehab, but still needs healing for his back.
-Pray for SD for healing in her back from a bad accident.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order
that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
That power is the same as the mighty strength
Ephesians 1:18-19
that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
That power is the same as the mighty strength
Ephesians 1:18-19