These last several weeks we have been examining how to have a God-centered 2009. To begin with, try not to look at 2009 as, “What can I accomplish this year?” But rather, “Who can I serve and minister to this year?” Jesus gave us this example in John 13:12-17. As He finished washing the feet of His disciples, He asked them if they understood what He had done for them. To truly grasp the concept Christ was teaching, imagine Jesus finished washing your feet and asked you the same thing. We are never to big, or important, to serve one another. The same truths of His earthly time are viable during our time. He lived this to the extreme when He hung on a rough, splintered cross with His life slowly draining from His flesh. It wasn’t for His salvation that He died and rose from the grave; it was for our salvation that He endured excruciating pain, shame, and separation from God, the Father. This is true servant hood; to lose your life for one who hates and despises you.
Further ways to have a happier new year include a belief in Jesus’ power to save and strengthen us. We must trust in Jesus to save us from our own sin and destruction—He is continually interceding for us to the Father. And during those times when we feel like we are going to be washed away by the onslaught of the world, overtaken by our sinful desires, or just plain tired of everything, Jesus is there to stand beside us and to keep us safe. Contemplate this! You’re standing on a small rock in the middle of the ocean and a 140 foot swell is rapidly coming toward you with the expressed intent of not just drowning you, but crushing you. Next to you is a calm and authoritative Jesus. With a simple phrase, “Peace, be still,” the wave freezes and collapses in on itself in response to the regal voice. That is the strength of Jesus!
Finally, if we abide by “The Four B’s”, we will have a happier new year. If we BELIEVE in Jesus Christ and repent of our sins, the Lord will be with us every step of the way (Joshua 1:9). If we BEHAVE in a way that exemplifies Jesus Christ, the glory of the Lord will be displayed—our actions speak louder than our words (remember Christ’s example at the beginning of this post). If we BEWARE of the deceptions of men (Colossians 2:8) and the snares of the devil (1 Peter 5:8), we will live longer, healthier lives and have an effective testimony to share with our family, friends, and neighbors. Lastly, if we realize and remember that we BELONG to Jesus Christ, we will live a happier and healthier eternity with Him. These “B’s” are the basis for a new beginning. But it starts with forgiveness of your sins. Take a look at the section on the right entitled, “A Life-Changing Prayer”. Go through this with a sincere heart and Jesus will forgive you of your sins and help you with the beginning of your new life. Still not convinced? Hold onto this earth-shaking truth, God gave up that which He most valued—His son Jesus Christ (a part of Himself). Jesus was perfect, eternal, and kingly; and now, is scarred, resurrected, and a brother to us. That is how much God values you as an individual. Now read that section on the right of this post and allow the Lord to be the center of your 2009.
