HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's hard to believe 2026 is upon us.  It seems the older I get the faster the years go past!  For many people around the world and here in our own country 2025 was a rough year.  Some folks lost a loved one, while others developed their own health issues.  Some suffered financial set-backs, and others endured broken marriages or lost friendships.  Things like these happen- it's called life.  Yet on the other side, people graduated from school to move into a new phase in life.  Weddings took place, and some families welcomed new children and grandchildren.  People bought first homes, moved to new places, and started new jobs.  That is also life.  Life often comes in good and bad, and sometimes I remember the line I heard from grandma many years ago- "Ray, in life there are no guarantees other than the promise of God.”

If we each look back in 2025, I imagine all of us can recall both good times and rough times.  But regardless of everything that happened in 2025, the new year presents an opportunity for change.  While our situation may still seem bleak, what can we do to improve things?  As Christians we can call upon the God who created all things to strengthen us.  We have a Savior who demonstrated the power to heal all sickness and disease, who walked on water and calmed the storm, and who has promised he will "Be with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) When Satan attacks, we have the power of the Holy Spirit to withstand.  But even though we know we can stand on God's promises, I honestly believe that God still expects us to do our part.  Sometimes when the "going gets rough", I recall the story of the student who did nothing to prepare for the test other than to say a quick prayer when the exam was passed out, who then became upset when he/she failed to receive a passing grade.  Who was at fault- God, or the student?  

So, as we enter this new year filled with opportunities, what can we do on our part to attain that strength which will enable us do "All things in Christ?"  Given that new year is traditionally a time for resolutions, I would like to suggest a few things to consider.  Resolve to spend more time in meditation and prayer.  It only makes sense that if we want God's help to deal with the struggles we face we need to remember to ask.  Resolve to spend time with other believers by attending church and Bible study.  Scripture instructs us to "bear one another's burdens."  But the church family can't help if we aren't aware of the burden.  Resolve to let love be a guiding force in our lives- Jesus said in John we are to "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34).  Resolve to seek God's will when you face important decisions.  And finally, remember that during those times when life seems so overwhelming, that our time on earth is just a passing moment in the scheme of eternity.  Someday, because we have a God who loved us so much that He sent his only Son that we might have eternal life.  Every Christian can look past this life and anticipate a future where there will be no more "mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things have passed away". (Revelation 21:4)

So, look forward to the new year.  May 2026 be a great year for all of us, at least in a Godly way.  Blessings!

Ray