NEW YEAR’S REPENTANCE

I don’t know about you but for me 2014 was quite a year. I’m really hoping that 2015 settles down a bit! In 2015 I want to change some things and get some things together in my life. 2014 was a good year but a tough year. As I look back I handled some things well and in others I could have made better decisions.  So the question remains, how will I make 2015 better?

I have made hundreds of resolutions over the years.  They usually turn out to be lists of things I never accomplished.  Resolving to do things differently can help but usually for a limited amount of time.  So this year I have made ZERO New Year resolutions.

I was recently challenged to think about the New Year by a minister I know, Wade Morris.  He said that every day we have an opportunity to make things new not by some declaration of trying harder, but because we have the opportunity to turn to the Lord.  Turn to him and repent our sin and our self- reliance and self -worship. His point was that the New Year only brings the same opportunity we always have. Instead of a New Year Resolution, we need New Year’s Repentance.

You see no matter what circumstances happen around us we have some decisions to make.  This year for me was met with a job change, a move across the country, some personal relationship challenges, and news that my dad is terminally ill.

No matter what the events are, we all have our own, the question I have is whatever happens in 2015 will I respond with trust in the Lord or trust in myself? Will I let life and its ups and downs define my life? Will I let selfishness and pride dictate my actions or will I let God have full control? I guess I cannot answer that until next year.  However, I am starting my year with Repentance.

I repent of my lack of faith

I repent of my pride

I repent of my selfishness

I repent of adoring other things/people more than the Lord.

I embrace my need for the Lord.  I embrace any hardships that come.  I embrace the new opportunities God has given me.  I embrace my role as a husband and father.  I embrace my calling as a Pastor.

May the Lord grant us peace, hope, confidence and faith in 2015.  Are you ready?

See you in church.

Pastor Darrell