Something Old and Something New

Remember ye not the former things,

neither consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now

it shall spring forth...

Isaiah 43:18-19a

Well...what did you get for Christmas? Even as an adult, did you get something you really wanted or perhaps you got things for Christmas that you didn't expect but that you liked very much. Either way, I think we enjoy new things. As I've been out and about over the last few days, it's been fun to observe children at church, malls or restaurants. Some little girls I saw were carrying new baby dolls. I saw a little girl at Kroger’s pushing her new little grocery cart. Boys have computer games for the most part but I saw a couple of Tonka trucks being carried around. New outfits were being worn by many girls and women. Christmas is a fun time for the new.

I love the verses above. First God says to His people to not remember or think about things past. I'm sitting here typing on New Year's Eve. I have a choice while on the brink of 2014. I can think of my mess ups of 2013, and believe me, I've had them. I didn't mean to mess up but I'm a member of a fallen people and you are as well. I've found more with Christians the tendency to look back and grieve over past mistakes. God plainly says that we aren't to look back to those times of regret and disappointment.

In this new year though, I believe God puts before us some new things. Knowing my Heavenly Father, I'm sure He has some wonderful things for my life already prepared for me to experience. Thrown in the mix though I know will be times of testing. Those things should not come as any surprise for we are promised testing and trials that are meant to fine tune us in our walk with the Lord.

So, 2014 is a time to look forward. I try to do my part as I look forward to a fresh new year. I don't choose to make resolutions. A resolution indicates what a person resolves to do in her own strength. They rarely work for me beyond the month of January. However, I do jot down some goals because I don't want to just flat line spiritually in this new year. I don't only want to be more for the Lord this year, but want to grow in Him like never before. My desire is to really know Him and rid myself of past junk.

I find myself feeling bad right now. I've searched high and low for a church that might be having New Years Eve services....watchnight services, we used to call them. One of my fondest memories about the new year is going to church new year's eve and seeing in the new year in prayer with fellow believers. The service didn't start until 8:00 or 9:00. We would have a regular church service and then break for a big potluck meal. After the meal, we would then view a Christian film or have some other activity. There were testimonies and lots of singing. Then at about 15 minutes before midnight, the group went to prayer. By then, little kids were asleep with their blankies on various church pews. Right at midnight or a minute afterward, the pastor would then lead the group in prayer. After prayer, people were hugging and wishing God's best for the new year for friends and family.

What happened? Well, if you've noticed at all, it's next to impossible to get Christians out for a Sunday night or Wednesday night service. As I've inquired as to why there are no New Year Eve services, I've been told pretty much the same thing...people won't come. A couple of people told me that things are different now. They say that there are lots of activities for folks to take part in...some spiritual but mostly not. I guess it's a spiritual indicator of how far we've fallen.

So at home tonight, I'll look forward to 2014, something new. I'll take a good look at myself and how I can do better with Holy Spirit help. I need more of the basics...prayer life, more time spent in the Word, working more with my Sunday school class...I even need more piano practice so that I can do a better job with the church music program.

I have learned through the years that if I aim at nothing, I'm sure to hit it. There are things all of us can do to walk in closer relationship with the Lord. The day is going to come, however, when in Heaven, we can be assured of God's loving intent no matter the year.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,

neither shall there be any more pain: for the former

things are passed away.

And He that sat upon the throne said,

“Behold, I make all things new.

Revelation 21:4-5a

Perhaps 2014 will be the year that Jesus will come for us. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing. Talk about something really new...can't beat that. Come, Lord Jesus...come quickly!

Dear Father...I thank you for 2013 and the things I learned during that time. I'm so grateful for Your guidance and love during the hard times, but I'm looking around the corner to 2014. Walk me through it...may I not walk ahead of You or behind. I want to be right where You are.   I love you....In Jesus' name...Amen