Rev. A. Hocking
A HAPPY NEW YEAR
This week, we begin a new year. 2009. On Dec 31st most will be looking back over the year that has passed. Some with fond memories and gratitude for all that has taken place. Others with sadness as they remember events that a year ago they never dreamed would happen.
Many will be making New Year Resolutions. This year is going to be different! Those habits are definitely going to go. Those arguments with your partner are finished – from now on it’s sweetness and light all the way. Yet in just a few days time…. How many of us manage to keep those New Year Resolutions for a week – never mind a whole year! Some have even given up trying and just don’t bother making resolutions.
Of course the whole point is that in order to have a new life, you have to have a new you! Someone once said that to keep on doing the same things whilst expecting a different outcome is a mark of madness. Jesus knew this. He said, “I have come so that you can have Life, and Life more abundant”. He knew that there is only one way for things to change in our lives and that is for us to change. He told a man called Nicodemus, one of the top priests of His day, “You must be born again”. Paul the apostle took it a stage further when he said, “if any one is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, all things have become new”.
Maybe this year, you resolved never to make any more resolutions, because you are fed up of trying and failing to keep them. Why not try something different? Go to Jesus Christ, admit you are a sinner and a failure, and ask Him to make you into a New Person. He will do it. You will see such a change in your life as you are literally ‘Born Again’ of the Spirit of God. 2009 will be a momentous year for you.
Go on – try it – and a Happy New Year to you!
Barnabas Ministries UK 
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