The Only way to start the New Year (Part 2 of 2)
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This is the second blog post on the “only way to start the New Year.” Are you tired and frustrated about not meeting your New Year’s resolutions?
Here we are again; this is the New Year. We are contemplating the challenges last year brought and looking ahead to the new opportunities the New Year will bring. We have been here before. We have made promises and resolutions before, but days and weeks into the new year, those promises and resolutions are long forgotten, and we go back to our ways of living.
Hello friends, I am Dan Fenco. I am here to encourage you in your faith walk with God.
Perhaps you are tired of doing that and gave up on making promises and resolutions for the new year. You may want to try to do something different. In this blog post, I will tell you the second part of the “only way” to start your new year: starting your new year with God! So far, we have talked about 1 recognizing that we cannot do it alone and 2 repenting and asking for forgiveness. 3 Read the Bible. Click HERE to go to the first Blog.
Jesus, Emmanuel – God with us – tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, “to seek first the kingdom of God and His justice.” Here are the last two things to help you have the best year.
STEP 4: Prayer
God speaks to us through His Word, and we speak to Him through prayer. Prayer is conversing with God. When you talk to a friend or a relative, you are honest and truthful about what happens to you. Prayer should be the same. Be honest and sincere with God and let Him know what’s bothering you, your concerns, and your worries. The truth is that God knows everything, but He wants you to talk to Him as a child speaks to his father. This is the fourth step.
STEP #5: Be part of a Christian Community
I know many people who say they are Christian but don’t attend church. Sometimes, it’s because God didn’t answer a particular prayer, and they are disillusioned with God. Other times, it’s because someone in the church hurt them, and they are upset with God. Others are looking for the perfect church. Let me tell you that there is no perfect church on this side of eternity. God created us to be in a community; we cannot live alone. Jesus instituted the church so that the church can continue His work here on earth, which is to make other followers of him and let the world know about God’s great love for them.
I ask for forgiveness on behalf of those who hurt you in the church, but in the end, that is not an excuse not to go to church. Find a church where the Gospel is preached – meaning they preach that Jesus took your place on the cross so that you would not be condemned but have forgiveness of sins and life with Him. Find a church that will encourage you in your walk with God. Find a church that will pray for you.
If you are in New Jersey, join our church. We are not perfect, but with God’s help, we try to do better each day. We worship every Sunday at 350 Lake Road, Basking Ridge, NJ at 9:30 am.
I hope and pray that this is a good year for you. There will be challenges and struggles; there is no doubt about that. There will be ups and downs, breakups and heartaches. So far, you have lived on your own and in your way. If that is true, try life with the One who created you. Jesus loves you and wants to have a relationship with you! Friends, “to seek first the kingdom of God and His justice.” Happy New Year.