Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Celebration”
Our Bible verse for today: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “Knowing that God has a great plan for you is a good reason to celebrate”
As I write this it is the morning of New Year’s Eve 2013. Traditionally most of us use this time of year to review the old year, and to make plans for the new one. Taking stock of where we’ve been and where we’re heading is actually a helpful exercise. There are a couple of old, time-honored sayings that come to mind and which apply here. One is, “If you keep doing what you’ve always done you will keep getting what you’ve always gotten.” And, “If you aim at nothing you’re sure to hit it every time.”
So, it’s helpful to reflect on the old year. Did you have goals you wanted to achieve in 2013? Did you achieve them? Why or why not? What were some of your best moments in 2013? What were some of your worst? And, what actions did you take that brought those good or bad things to pass? (We are all responsible for the consequences of our choices be they good consequences or bad. Going through life with a victim mentality and trying to blame others for your problems is a sure path to sorrow and failure.)
Now, what about 2014? Have you set realistic goals? Do you have a plan for achieving those goals? Again, if you aim at nothing then that’s probably what you’ll accomplish – nothing.
It’s true that God has a wonderful plan for your life and that He is in the process of bringing that plan to fruition. However, don’t neglect your personal responsibility. The burden is not all on God. He expects us to cooperate with Him. We are partners with Him in this. So I encourage you to prayerfully ask God to help you set goals. Ask Him to guide you as you make plans for 2014, and then ask Him to help you be diligent and persistent in walking them out.
On this New Years Eve I hope you are thankful for 2013 and find yourself celebrating what God has done in your life. I also hope you’re looking forward to 2014 with eagerness and anticipation. I pray all the best for you in the New Year.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 