Author: pastorbradmsc

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Raised From the Ashes: Week One, Thursday

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?”

Matthew 6:30

Read Matthew 6:27-33

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

When I was a younger man I made my living as a Haberdasher. That’s a cool way of saying I was a retail, ‘clothing salesman’. I sold men’s suits for a living, expensive ones. I literally worried about what I was going to wear. After all, you only get one chance to make a good first impression and I was totally wrapped up in making sure people thought I was a success. Well, let’s just say I’ve grown a lot since then. I still think about those days. It was fun wearing all those expensive clothes. However, when it was all said and done, I didn’t feel ‘expensive’ on the inside.

What are you worried about?

You see, in those days I was worried about all the wrong things, superficial things like looks, and what other people thought of me. But, what I’ve grown to learn as a follower of Jesus is when you realize you’re a child of the King, you should realize how expensive you really are. God puts infinitely more value on you, than the flowers of field, which He adorns so beautifully. Yet, knowing that God treasures we humans as infinitely more valuable than the beauty of creation, we still worry about how our lives are going to turn out. Even in Bible days they worried. They worried about what to wear, what to eat, and how their lives would end up. Doesn’t make much sense does it?

Last night I went to church and had an ashen cross smeared on my forehead. As he put the ashes on my head, the minister reminded me that I was mere dust, and that one day I will return to the dust from whence I came. Perhaps you had a similar experience? As a minister, I too was placing ashes on the heads of others. I wondered what the people felt as they heard those sobering words about our mortality. Then it was my turn and I realized in that moment with just me, the minister, and the Holy Spirit, that I was worried about far too many things in this world that really don’t matter in the real scheme of things.

What I really need to worry about

The one thing I really need to worry about is how I can learn to live in the truth of God’s love for me. If the Father clothes the flowers of the field with beauty and splendor, and yet tomorrow they’re gone, how much greater are his plans for our lives? God loves all His children, but those who choose to love Him back can rest in the knowledge that He knows what we really need. Why should we worry about how things will turn out? St. Paul reminds us if God is for us, who could be against us? (Rom 8:31)

As we set out on this Lenten journey, won’t you turn your worries over to Him at the start? Don’t carry those burdens, it’s wasting away your energy, and robbing your hope. Won’t you listen today to this song from David Crowder? The words call us to lay down our burdens and shame, and come to our Father just as we are. You are His child, His most prized of all creation. There’s one person you’ll never have to worry about what He thinks of you – and His is the only opinion that counts. You are special, believe it.

Click Here to listen to “Come as You Are”

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Raised From the Ashes: Ash Wednesday

“…if you pour yourself out for the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness, and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually,”

Isaiah 58:10-11a

Read Isa. 58:1-12

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

 

Why ashes? Ashes are a reminder of death. All living things eventually end up in ashes. In the Old Testament, God’s people would often put ashes on their head as a sign of sorrow and repentance. They knew that outside of relationship with God, they were dead so they put ashes on their head to show their sorrow at being dead in sin. Early Christians began to practice a day of remembrance called, Ash Wednesday, to mark the beginning of a season of repentance, and preparation for those who were coming into the faith. This season has been handed down to us as the season of Lent.

There’s an old saying, “You are never taller, than when you are on your knees.” This saying captures my hope for the season of Lent, which begins today for those who follow the Western Christian calendar. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day devoted to asking God to sanctify our 40-day journey into the heart of Jesus as He becomes our Paschal lamb, our Passover sacrifice. St. Paul said of Jesus, “For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast,” (1 Cor. 5:7). But, how do we keep the feast?

Easter, or Pascha, which means Passover in Greek (as our Eastern Christian brothers call it), is the pinnacle of our faith; its significance to our lives cannot be contemplated too much. Where would we be without the cross? Even still, where would we be without the resurrection? We would be dead in our sins. We would be nothing but ashes. But, Jesus has raised us from the ashes. He conquered death to give us life everlasting.

What Is Lent All About?

The season of Lent calls us to bow down and worship through fasting, prayer and works of mercy, which is the model Jesus gave us for living in His Spirit. Today we bow our heads and mark them with ashes to remind us we are dust, and to dust we will return (Gen 3:19). We also consecrate to God the season of Lent as a time for fasting and prayer, and to do the works of mercy Isaiah tells us helps our spirit rise from the darkness.The 58th chapter of Isaiah was an indictment of the people for their false worship of God. They gathered together and consecrated their fasts, but they didn’t live them out.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools.” (Ecc. 5:4).

 What Will You Do?

 What will you do with Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent? If you will bow down and serve the living God, He will, as Isaiah said, “turn your gloom into noonday” Go ahead, give it a try this year. Join me on the journey. I’ll be here everyday talking us both through it. Let’s admit we are dust and to dust we will return… and then, let God raise us from the ashes.

In peace, for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

Never miss a day! Click Here to have Pastor Brad’s devotions delivered to you email.

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Mercy Always Wins

Click Here to Read Today’s Epistle: James 2:1-13

mercy wins

 

Why are the poor so important? When Jesus said, “…the poor will always be with you”, He wasn’t saying we should take them for granted, that they were somehow unimportant. As a matter of fact, I think he was saying something quite the opposite. I think He was raising our awareness to the poor around us. The disciples were upset the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume had poured it out on Jesus’ feet; they felt it should have been sold and the money given to the poor. You can read the story in St. Mark 14.

Jesus taught the disciples (and us) that giving to Him is the highest priority. By telling them He would not always be with them, He showed the immediacy of the importance of what the woman did in anointing his feet, since He would soon leave them. However, the poor are always with us and we must show them mercy and grace – in doing so we honor Jesus.

St. James has a way of getting in our face when he writes. His letter offers some of the most convicting scriptures; they convict us because in them we see our true selves. Though we don’t mean to, we often show partiality in how we treat others, especially the poor. And, James tells it to us straight out – partiality is sin.

If we’re honest with ourselves we will admit we often tend to gravitate to the wealthier people in a room, and away from those we deem poorer. I don’t mean that we do it on purpose. It is for the most part, an unconscious movement. But, what a sad commentary that is on our instincts.

James teaches us when we show such partiality we have judged people. And furthermore, when we make such judgments we judge ourselves. Instead of instinctively judging people on their perceived wealth or influence, or what we may gain from association with them, as followers of Jesus we should be servants of His mercy. Mercy always wins over judgment. If we hope to receive mercy, in both this world and the next (I do!), then we must be servants of Christ’s mercy.

This Weekend:

There is perhaps no better place for us to practice such mercy than at church. Often people who visit churches decide not to return because they felt they were judged (or worse, completely over-looked). While it may sometimes be the case the visitor came in with a chip on his/her shoulder still, we need to show mercy, not judgment.

People’s lives really are at stake in how we, as servants of Christ, treat them. We have the privilege of seeing people through the eyes of Jesus, and to show His love to all humanity. Listen to singer/songwriter Brandon Heath’s message in his song “Give Me Your Eyes”.

Here’s a link to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mhpLjPslbM

Evey time I hear this song I’m convicted of the partiality in how I see others. Listen to it with me today and ask Jesus to help you see others differently. This weekend, resolve to go to church (and wherever else you go) and see others as Jesus sees them, – with eyes of mercy. Mercy always wins.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

Image credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nCInUHPcas

 

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Are You the Working Dead?

Click Here to Read Today’s Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14

 

Zombie coffee

Are you the working dead? No I’m not talking about zombies, which are quite popular in the imagination of Television these days. I’m also not talking about missing your morning coffee; although that would certainly render many of us dead for the day (sarcasm intended). I’m talking about that feeling we get when we wonder if anything we do makes any difference in this world.

Perhaps you wonder if the things you do each day matter to anyone? You know, like the money you earn and put into savings; is it really going to matter in the long run? Or, how about the way you try to lead your family? Do they appreciate it? Are the things you do for them making a difference in the persons they are becoming?

A Good Definition

The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us we can work in such a way that everything we do matters. Jesus Christ came into our world not only to be our Savior, but also our High Priest. Let’s get a good working definition of what it means to be a priest so we can better understand one of the most important offices Jesus fills for our lives. A priest is one who makes sacrifices to God on behalf of others.

As a minister of the gospel, and a pastor of a church, I too am a priest (though many Protestants rarely use that word). Each day I remember the flock God has given me in prayer and supplication to the Lord. And, on Sundays and others particular days we pastors lead the people who come to worship in lifting their sacrifices to God as well. We are those who make sacrifices to the Living God on behalf of others – we are priests.

You Too Can Be A Priest

However, we are not the only priests. Scripture tells us that all who believe in Christ are made into a “Royal Priesthood”, and a “Holy Nation” (1 Peter 2:9). While there can be many priests, there can only be one High Priest. Jesus Christ is THE great High Priest. He is the one who went into the heavenly Holy of Holies with his own blood, offered as sacrifice for our redemption. So, in what way are we also priests?

Anyone who works for the sake of others can be said to be offering a sacrifice for them. The money you make at your job is a sacrifice of your time and effort in order to provide for your family. The time you give to help out a friend in need or visit one who is sick, is a sacrifice of yours on their behalf. But here’s the real key point – if you’re not doing it for the Lord Jesus and His glory, your doing it in vain; the people receive the help, but your works are dead.

When we realize that the blood of Jesus not only cleanses us from all sin, it “purifies” our conscience from dead works, and makes the works we do alive before our God it makes them a sweet aroma in His presence, rising before His altar in Heaven. When our works (our lives) are alive in Christ Jesus, they are priestly sacrifices to the Living God.

This Week:

Everything comes back to our awareness, and our intentions. Is our faith alive, and are we offering merciful acts of service, even everyday things all for God’s glory and to the benefit of those whom we serve? In the Colossian letter, St. Paul put it this way, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,“ (Col. 3:23).

If you haven’t already, won’t you give everything over to God as a living sacrifice in praise to Him? And, even if you’ve done that before, I find the best way to live is in daily surrender, coming to God as His faithful priest/servant offering everything to Him everyday. There are no Zombies in the Kingdom of God, only living priests with living works!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

Image credit: http://thebeanmesilla.com/page/2/

 

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The Spirit-filled Life: It’s More Than Just Beleiving

Click here to read today’s scripture from Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2

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When it comes to faith, we often ask the question, “How much do I need to get by?”. Many people often want to know how to live the Christian life just enough to get us into Heaven and escape Hell. If that sounds familiar to you, may I suggest that you’ve missed the whole point of the Christian faith?

Christianity isn’t about escaping something, it’s about entering something; that something is life in Spirit. Today’s verses from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians tell us what a spirit filled life looks like. Spirit filled lives area filled with love, joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control – but not always all at the same time (At least not for me). St. Paul tells us these characteristics are the “fruit” of the Spirit. In other words they are the noticeable byproducts of a Spirit-filled follower of Jesus.

What’s He Really Saying?

However, if we fail to carefully and deliberately read ALL the great Apostle is saying, we may be left with the misguided thought that a life committed to Jesus automatically grows this incredible fruit. Well, you don’t have to live as a Christian long before you realize you often live below these fruitful characteristics. You may even doubt your faith since you have such struggles with living out this ‘fruit of the Spirit’. But, listen carefully to what I’m about to say.

Living ‘by the Spirit’ is not enough. What? That’s right. St. Paul knew as Christians we receive the Holy Spirit when we believe, after all, it is only by the power of the Spirit that we can turn from sin and repent in faith. So, in that sense we can be said to ‘live by the Spirit’. However, Paul says if we live by the Spirit, we must also “keep in step with the Spirit”. Keeping in step implies so much more than just a position of belief; it means we live under the complete control of the Holy Spirit. We live and move and have our very being in what He would have us do and say (Acts 17:28).

The Key to Bearing Fruit

If we want to live the fruit-filled life of the Spirit, we must come to a place of complete surrender of our will to God’s will. God has a will for each of us, but he won’t force it upon our lives. When our hearts recognize the true depth of love God gives to us through the sacrifice of His son Jesus, and through the indwelling power of His Holy Spirit, then surrender to His will and His way, becomes the pathway to transformation. In His power, walking step by step in His guidance, we are transformed into loving, joyful, peaceful, good, faithful, gentle, self-controlled people. The transformation doesn’t happen in an instant, but the surrender of our will does. Then, as we walk in His power, He lights our way through experiences that transform us, step by step, into His likeness.

This Week

As you prepare your hearts for worship on the Lord’s day tomorrow, won’t you spend some time thinking about your level of surrender to Jesus Christ? Are you living in faith because you’ve accepted Jesus as savior? If so, great, you’re partially surrendered. Or, are you still trying to figure out life on your own, making decisions in your own power and wisdom without knowing or considering what God’s will is. If so, won’t you consider surrendering everything to Jesus; every fear your still holding on to, every doubt you have about what the future will bring, yes even the unknown things of the future? To surrender completely to Jesus Christ and His will for your life brings the fruit of the Spirit. You can have peace in knowing the Lord of Life is Lord of ALL – including you.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

Image credit:  http://www.thinwithin.org/living-the-fruit-of-the-spirit/

 

 

 

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Finally Then, Be Strong

Click Here for today’s reading from Ephesians 6:10-17

funny-morning-cup-of-coffee

When you wake up to face the coming day, your morning routine probably looks something like taking a shower, getting dressed, and eating some sort of breakfast food. My ritual has always included coffee, the miracle elixir that opens the eyes more fully in the morning, and props them open later in the night. However, about a year ago my Cardiologist restricted me to decaf and cut out all forms of caffeine in my diet in an attempt keep my heart out A-Fib.

So, while my morning routine was seemingly robbed of its power (aka caffeine), guess what I did anyway? No, I didn’t drink the regular coffee. I started drinking a cup of decaf every morning first thing, just as if I were still drinking regular. Why? Because I was used to it. I liked the taste of coffee first thing in the morning. And, even though it didn’t have the same physical effect, I found it could have the same psychological effect. The very aroma and flavor signaled to my brain it was time to wake up and get going; it’s time to get prepared for the day.

Half the Battle

A famous old proverb says, “He who is well prepared has half won the battle.” History is full of examples of armies which were over confident and under prepared for their battles, like the Union army at Bull Run in the American Civil War, and the Hessian forces who fought with British in the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War. Both armies were unprepared for what lay ahead of them, mostly because they underestimated their adversary.

Sadly, many people have great morning routines to get their day started off right and well organized, but they miss the one thing that has the power to bring victory to their day – Jesus Christ. No amount of organization can prepare us for the real battles of our days without the power of Christ within us. St. Paul speaks to the Ephesians about the importance of preparing properly for the real battles we face – spiritual ones.

Being Prepared

Using the metaphor of putting on the “Armor of God”, the great Apostle shows us how unprepared we are in believing without being equipped. The Ephesians were believers in Jesus. But, the fact they believed wasn’t enough; they had to actualize their faith with preparedness, just as a soldier for battle. We’re no match on our own for Satan and his minions who seek to derail our faith. However, by centering our mind each morning on Jesus (Who is the very word of God), we put on the protection of His Armor, the Holy Spirit.

This Week

If you aren’t preparing for your day and all the battles it will bring by centering yourself on Christ, now is the time to begin. You may be going to church, and even meeting in a small group to grow as a disciple, but if you’re not daily putting on the Armor of God by centering yourself on Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit, you’re going into battle unprepared. Don’t take the grace of God for granted. Think of the Holy Spirit like you would that morning cup of coffee; don’t leave home without Him. When you reach for that morning cup of whatever gets you going, don’t forget where the real source of power comes from…“Finally then, be strong in the Lord”

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

Image credit: http://www.dumpaday.com/funny-pictures/funny-pictures-38-pics-11/attachment/funny-morning-cup-of-coffee/

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In God We Trust – or Do We?

Click Here to Read Philippians 3:20-21; 4:1-3

 

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Power is fleeting, yet we strive for it in this world. Too often we strive at much to high a cost. Lord Acton, 19th Century British Statesman, is famously quoted as saying, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.” Those who seek to be President of the United States are certainly seeking power. There is perhaps no more powerful office in the world. And, there seems to be no limit to what some will do or say to achieve such heights of power.

Everyday there’s a new round of accusations among the many candidates of both parties, as they jockey for position as the front-runner in the race. I know, I know it’s just politics, right? Maybe so, but much of the rhetoric can lead one to think the end of the world is at hand depending on the outcome. But, before we assign the end of the world to the outcome of who wins the respective nominations for the Democrats and the Republicans, we need to remember the words of St. Paul, “But, our commonwealth is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20)

I love my country, the US of A, but I must admit the older I get the more I realize my real country is Heaven. As Christ followers, we need to be careful not to get our allegiances switched around. Regardless who wins the next election, God is still God and our citizenship won’t be in question.

We can and should be thankful for the gift we have in being Americans. We are born in the most free nation ever to exist in the history of the world, and with that freedom comes much responsibility. At the end of the day, only one candidate will stand as the so called next ‘leader of the free world’. But, we must remember above that leader stands the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

The power struggles we see being waged before us in the campaigns are not really that different than the ones we are all tempted to wage in our daily lives. The desire for power, whether at work, family, or in relationships is counter to the Spirit of Christ we are called to live and exemplify. Jesus calls those who would be His to be poor in spirit – meek and humble. True power is found when we serve our brother not lord it over him. Could there be better example among us mortals of such power, than when Pope Francis knelt to wash the feet of prisoners? Perhaps but that picture sure sticks in my mind of true power in leadership.

This Weekend:

Today is Friday, a day Christians revere as holy because on it we remember Jesus died for the sins of the world. He died for all will believe. He died not just to save us from our sins, He died to redeem all things. St. Paul tells us when we are “in Christ”, we are a new creation. Genuine faith produces a change in us; the old is gone, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17).

As you look toward Sunday, hopefully to gather with other faithful souls who are seeking to worship the true leader of the free world, would you take a few moments to consider how you’re using the power given to you, as a husband, wife, parent, or boss? How are you doing at trusting God to lead you in ALL things? Our nation’s motto is “In God We Trust”. Is it yours? I hope so. If so, then you will realize with me God is still leading those who will follow Him no matter who wins the next election.

The old gospel song is still true:

“This world is not my home, I’m just passing through. My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me to Heaven’s open shore, and I can’t be at home in this world anymore.”

P.S.

St. Paul also urged the people of Philppi to get along (Vs. 4:1-3). And, he asked those in the church to be the ones to help them get along. Another question I’m considering this election season, as the arguments increase, is what am I doing to help others to get along? Let us not be divisive, but loving, for it’s in God we trust, not this world.

Grace & Peace

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

 

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What’s the State of Your Union?

Click Here to read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Photograph_of_President_Truman_delivering_his_State_of_the_Union_address_to_a_joint_session_of_Congress._-_NARA_-_200188

You and I aren’t the only ones who look back at the previous year, trying to discern where we are now. The New Year makes even government leaders want to review their status. Every January, the President of the United States and the Governors of the states, even a few mayors of cities give a ‘State of the Union’ (State, or City) address. Most, I think, use the speech as a chance to promote their future agenda rather than truly  look at the current status and address the factors led to it.

What about you? What’s the state of your union? You’re probably wondering what union I’m talking about; marriage or relationship, work or personal. Actually, I’m wondering about the state of your spiritual union. St. Paul tells us that if we are ‘united’ to Christ, then we are one in spirit with Him (1 Cor. 16:17). We need to try and get our minds around what that means.

What does ‘one in spirit’ mean?

To be one in spirit is more than just feeling you’re somehow connected because of your knowledge of God, it’s realizing that as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ you are no longer your own. As St. Paul points out in verses 19 and 20, you don’t own yourself, Jesus does. When you put your faith in Him, you accepted his payment for you – the cross. Several places in scripture believers are called ‘bond-servants’. That’s right, we’re slaves. But, we’re slaves to the most loving master in the world; Jesus knows our every need and thought. He knows who we really are and knows our darkest secrets. And get this, He loves us any way! Why? Because He made us, and He knows exactly what we’re capable of being when we give ourselves over to union with Him.

So what’s the state of your Union? If you’re IN Christ, it’s strong. In fact, nothing can breakdown your union with Christ, except your own will, should you desire to leave Him. He never forces Himself on anyone. But, like any union, if there isn’t consistent and open communication, accompanied by a mutual love and respect for each other, then the union cannot only be strained, but eventually broken. Unions are only as strong as the love that binds them together. And, concerning our union with Christ, He brings to our relationship the strongest love possible, the unfailing, unconditional love of God, and that’s why the state of all Union in Christ is strong.

This Week:

If you’re not sure about the strength of your union with Jesus Christ, why not stop and communicate with Him from your heart right now? He’s always ready to hear from you, and to reassure you how much He loves you, and loves being in union with you. Ask him to open your heart each day to see just how precious is your union with Him.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Happy RE-NEW Year: Do You Perceive It?

Click here to read 2nd Corinthians chapter 4

Has your start to a new year gotten you into a new groove? Are you finding a fresh approach to things that were previously stale? For many people the new year offers an opportunity to start over, and while that’s always a good thing, we need to remember that with God every day is New Year’s Day. God is always faithful to forgive, forget, and renew.

Here is a link for you to listen to a message I delivered last night, Jan. 7, 2016 for a prayer conference call with the Second Baptist Church of Winfield, KS. I pray it inspires you to let God bring Renewal to your life today.

Screenshot 2016-01-08 13.10.10

Grace & Peace

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Why All the Fuss About New Year’s?

Scriptures for the start of a New Year: Isaiah 43:18-20 & 2 Cor. 5:14-21

 

Postcards2CardsNewYearsResolution1915

Why all the fuss about New Year’s Day? Can one day really make a difference in our lives? After all, January 1 isn’t really any different than December 31, is it? Well, that all depends on us. It seems most people throughout history have thought celebrating the New Year was pretty important.

The History

The desire to celebrate the starting of a new year is about four millennia old. The Babylonians were the first in recorded history to celebrate the coming of a new year, according to their calendar four thousand years ago. in the year 46 BC, Julius Caesar declared January 1 as a day of celebrating his newly reformed 12-month calendar.

As Christianity began to grow in Europe, the Julian day of celebrating the New Year fell out of practice; they began to emphasize other important days such as Christmas or the Annunciation as the beginning of the new year. However, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII established January 1 on his newly reformed calendar as a day for celebrating the coming new year. As most of the world began to switch over from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian (the one most widely used today) different cultures around the world began to develop ways of ringing in the New Year.

So What?

But why? Why this need to emphasize starting over. Perhaps it’s because there is an inherent need in all of us for forgiveness. We recognize the things in life we wished we’d done differently. January 1 seems to offer us an opportunity to start over. Of course we can start over any day, but there is something special in knowing there is a collective consciousness in society to begin again all at the same time.

Our inherent need for forgiveness is due to our inherent imperfection as humans; also know as our sinfulness. Sin can best be compared to sickness, and all humanity is sick. The cure for our sickness of sin is always found in Jesus Christ, and He is always willing for us, and encouraging us to repent and begin again with a clean slate.

Maybe that’s why New Years Day is so universally observed; we all need clean slates. We all need to begin again from time to time. I know for me, New Year’s Day is a spiritual experience. On this day I turn to Christ and say, “Thank you for forgiving me over and over again. Help me today to begin again with a fresh, clean slate in my relationship with you and everyone around me.”

So That’s Why

Why all the fuss over New Year’s Day? Because it represents the heart of our God to always let us start over. There aren’t very many things in life that give us a “do-over”, but God does; not just on New Year’s Day, but anytime, anywhere. So, here we are on January 1, 2016. Why not start over? Let’s all confess our sins, both to God and to each other. Let’s all turn to God and our families and tell them we’re sorry for all the ways we let them down this last year, and ask them to not only forgive us, but to give us a “do-over”. I know God will, and I’m betting they will too.

Grace and Peace for a Happy New Year!

Pastor Brad

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:6