I have a big family with many siblings and cousins and nephews and nieces, and then there is my own immediate family. Well with that big of a group there are bound to be some misunderstandings at some time. This last week I had one of my family members call me and apologize to me and sincerely asked me to forgive them. They said and interesting comment, “they just could not go through Christmas without getting right between me and them.” It was a very sweet moment, and it is clearly a biblical principle to practice making sure you are at peace with all men as much as it is up to you (Rom. 12:18).
In just three days we are going to step into the New Year of 2025! Many people will be making resolutions and hoping to lose weight, gain more savings, stop that bad habit and start a good one. But before you step into 2025, as your Pastor, I would like to ask you a question. Is there something you need to deal with, handle, fix or get right before you leave 2024? What I mean is this; are you presently holding something from the Lord that He is asking you to surrender? This is especially true if you have not surrendered your life to Christ yet. To go into another new year without the hope of eternal life would be the worst way to go into the new year! Or maybe you know that you have offended someone and have yet to make it right. The Bible says that if you know you have offended a brother, before you offer your sacrifice to the Lord, go get right with your brother and then offer your sacrifice (Matt. 5:23-24). Maybe you need to ask forgiveness from someone or just in your heart forgive someone else that has offended or hurt you. Is there a family member, especially a spouse or child, that needs to hear from you and how much you love them? Maybe you need to take the first step and call a friend that you have had a falling out with and start that process of healing. What I am saying is, before you step into 2025 why don’t you take a moment and ask the Lord if there is anything on our side of the street that you need to clean up before you leave 2024 forever? I really believe that you will be much healthier spiritually and emotionally if you do not carry that kind of baggage into the New Year.
Happy New Year dear church! Pastor Mark