Happy New Year
As the end of one year comes to a close and a New Year begins, people often make New Year’s resolutions. The resolutions are often related to losing weight, getting into shape by going back to the gym, finding a new job or even being nicer to those that irritate us. As one year comes and goes so quickly, it seems that many of our resolutions do as well. It is great to try to become a better person but the results often don’t come from the heart-felt intentions. I pray all that have made resolutions can see positive changes in their lives.
It is important to remember that physical and emotional resolutions and change are not the only areas that need to be addressed. The spiritual being needs to also be under consideration when resolving to become a better person. The spiritual aspect of a person is the area that is rewarding both now and in the time to come. The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). The spiritually well-kept person will have a good life now and then the great reward of heaven one day.
It is my prayer for you in the year 2019 that you consider your spiritual being and resolve to become more like God. May your health prosper not only physically, but also spiritually. If you are not spiritually healthy, God has given us a Great Physician. This great physician brings comfort in the life that is now lived and perfect healing in the life that is to come. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
If we abide in Christ, then great profit is available to all who seek Him. The greatest of profit is in the Bible. This is the revelation of God that shows us how to return to Him. According to the Apostle Paul it also thoroughly furnishing us to every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). Our true profit will be in Christ rather than the riches of the world. Worldly riches will one day end but Christ is forever.
Being in Christ will give us peace in this life. The Philippians were told that there is a peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Because of this peace we can dwell in gladness and safety. Having this peace should also help us to be peaceful and love others. Peace with those that are around us will help us to be honest and sincere that we may be an example to all.
It is also my pray for the year 2019, that you consider your name. Are you are New Testament Christian? The name Christian means Christ-like and gives us the privilege of a great inheritance. God is our Father who is in Heaven. Those that are Christians have become fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Because of this, the Christian should want to be around fellow heirs, remembering their blessings and preparing for that great reunion of all that are faithful in Christ and to God.
Being a co heir with Christ means that we are linked or yoked to Him. Christ is the great shepherd that leads His sheep in the way of safety. He knows the way of safety because He has traveled the way before. Because we are His sheep, our strength can be renewed in both good times and bad. Jesus has shown the way and given us the armor to protect ourselves in all situations.
It is also my prayer for 2019, that you reconcile yourself if you are not a child of God.
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister” (Colossians 1:19-23).
Christ was sent so that man could return to God. If you are not a New Testament Christian and would like to learn what the Bible teaches about obedience to God and promise of eternal life, please contact me.
Happy New Year
Health- 3 John 2
Abide- Galatians 2:20
Profit- 2 Timothy 3:16
Peace- Psalms 4:6-8
Yes- Matthew 5:7
Name- 1 Peter 2:9
Eat- Acts 20:7
Watch- Matthew 24:42
Yoked- Matthew 11:28-30
Eagles Wings- Isaiah 40:31
Armor- Ephesians 6:11
Reconcile- Colossians 1:20-22
Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. All are invited. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. He invites any questions or comments and would love to sit down and study. He can be reached- at the Elm Grove Church of Christ, 740-493-2451.
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