New Year's

Every year I take time to reflect on the year and look ahead to the new one. I have been busy and wasn't sure what to think so I haven't officially done that yet. At least I haven't broken any resolutions yet!

I have heard three great "New Year's" sermons this year. The details are getting a little foggy but I do want to remember what they said. One good point was that we need to reflect on the hard things that happened. We can grieve them and let them go. Leave them in that year and start new. I like this. Some things like a loss of a loved one is not that "easy". But, some disappointments, bad habits, and so on need to be dealt with in this way. I think even some of the good things that happened need to be left in the past as good memories so we can move forward in the present.

Another point I liked was evaluating where we are serving. This seems really applicable to me because it seems every year I get involved in a new or different ministry. So, I do need to keep evaluating and searching God's heart where He wants to use me. I want to be effective in His service but I don't want to spread myself too thin that it costs my family or personal health. (I am going to need my accountability partners on this one!) In a different sermon but on the same topic the point was made that we are not serving the people first but God. Huge conviction! I need to keep God's love for the people I serve foremost in my ministry. It makes it so much easier when I go forth with that attitude in my heart! In serving God there is also no room for pride then. He is the one working through us and He deserves all the credit. Good reminder for the times that I struggle with pride.

The other point from another sermon is - what risk does God want us to take this year? The sermon was a super sermon but I don't remember all the details. However, I do remember what God wanted me to take home. Just over a year ago Bob and I uprooted our family. We sold the house, changed jobs, and moved in a matter of 2 months. All this when I loved my house and where we lived. We were content with Bob's job and were not looking to change anything. We had a total life style change and began work in full time ministry. That was a risk! We love what we do but it was a risk. So, I am done taking risks now for God right? I obeyed in that and am still living at camp so what more would He want me to do? We are supposed to keep taking those risks and steps for God. The funny thing is He still drops those risks onto my lap in such obvious ways that I have to obey. I need to be open and seeking what new ways God wants to lead me. Sometimes that does not mean ministry but maybe praying for an hour a day, or giving more financially. We need to always keep praying to see what the risks God wants to do so we can remain active in our faith and walk with Him.

For me that is enough food for thought. I wasn't sure how to work it all out in the New Year. But, already as I am living it God is showing me how He wants me to live out what I learned in those sermons. It has been a fulfilling first month in 2009 already!