The Christmas Season is over, and it is time to put away decorations and gifts, make returns, and get ready to face the music when the bills come. We start thinking about what we would like to change in the New Year. Goals, resolutions, promises to ourselves and others that often times go unfulfilled. Will losing ten pounds of holiday weight and exercising on a more regular basis make me happy? Yes! But not totally happy.
Let love be your greatest aim... 1 Corinthians 14:1
If our goals and resolutions do not involve love for others and God, they will be meaningless. God wants us to have a relationship with Him because it is for our own good health. Jesus promises living water, peace that surpasses all understanding, and rest. He stands at the door waiting for you to open it and receive Him in. He offers a relationship that is not disappointing, and love that will not fail.
I pray for the many friends who do not go to church. They are missing out on the presence of God through worship songs, fellowship, and studying God's word. If you are one of those people, make finding a church to worship in your number one goal. I am not saying you can't have a relationship with God at home and privately. I am saying that God speaks of His temple and the church built on Christ with great love. He wants His people to come together to help each other and others around the world. It is good to be accountable to others and have discussion about God's word. There is not doubt in my mind that I would not have this great love of Jesus without the friends and churches that God used to draw me close to him.
If you don't have a church home, then make that your top Goal for 2009. My minister, Jim Miller, is starting a series in January called "Here I Am." Jim has a deep love for people who are lost and lonely. He reminds us all the time that we are a family made up of people with addictions, anger, despair... We are a family in Christ. We will never be perfect except through the blood of Christ. You can look at Glenkirk's website at www.glenkirkchurch.org for service times and ministries.
Another church that will love you the moment you walk through the doors is Hacienda Heights Baptist Church. This is the church I grew up in. Many of my most precious friends and prayer warriors are from this church. You can find out more about this church at www.hhbchurch.com
If you live completely out of my area, then let God lead you to a church in the New Year. No church is perfect, because they are filled with imperfect people searching for a relationship with God. Sometimes it does take a couple of misses before you hit on the right church for you.
Do something for you health and well being that will last a lifetime! Sometimes it take courage to make a radical change. I pray that you have the courage and the desire to find a relationship with Christ like none other you have ever known. Jesus make promises that He keeps!
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight. Jeremiah 15:16
Start a new diet consisting of God's word!
See you in 2009,
Sandy
