As we begin this new year, many will make New Year's resolutions. Most will not keep them more than a few weeks. We like new beginnings � a fresh start. As we go into the new year, let's begin by being thankful for the blessings God has given us this past year. We are thankful for our lives and health, for all the abundance of food, homes, cars, clothing and the many material things God has given us. We are thankful for our families and friends and the ties that bind us together. We are thankful for our spiritual family here at Mt. Juliet. We are thankful for Christian friends that we have had through the years and for our new Christian friends that we developed in 2002.
We are thankful for a God who loves us, blesses us, and hears and answers prayers. We are thankful for our Father that blesses us exceedingly, abundantly above all that we are able to ask or think. We are thankful for our loving Shepherd who provides for us daily, loves us, and leads us. We are thankful for our Savior, Christ Jesus and His unselfish gift. We are thankful for His divine and powerful word which lives and works in our hearts. We are thankful for the Spirit that leads and directs our way.
Though we cannot relive our past, we can start again, try harder. In 2003 God gives each one an opportunity to become the godly men, women, and children that He has designed us to be. God has given His Spirit and His word to guide us. In the new year, let's renew our mind and refresh our hearts by directing more time and energy to developing our Christian growth and maturity.
David Shannon has prepared a method of daily reading and meditation that will greatly enrich our knowledge of God's word. It will continue through the year 2003. Each of us needs to make the commitment and arrange the time to be active in this program. The Psalmist said, "Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he mediate day and night." Psalms 1:1 & 2.