Who Told You That

     We have come to the close of 2008 and 2009 lies before us.  What changes will be made?  What does the year 2009 hold for us as individuals and what does 2009 hold for us as a brotherhood? Only God knows for sure. 
     2008 has been spent.  Are you happy with the results?  Certainly for all of us there are things we would have changed.  If we could have a mulligan there are certainly decisions that would be different.  Unfortunately 2008 is in the books and cannot be changed.  I want to ask three questions concerning 2008.
     First, what did you learn from the events of the past year?  One of our most valuable tools is the ability we have to learn from the activities that surround our lives. In order for us to mature as Christians we must be able to continue to learn all of our lives
      Second, did you make an attempt to mesh your life with God’s will this past year?  In our culture personal happiness is the most important thing.  Unfortunately our personal happiness doesn’t always parallel with God’s will.  Walking in the will of God is the most important thing we can do with our lives.
     Third, did you make a positive difference in your local congregation with your life?  All Christians have roles and responsibilities God has preordained we should fill.  Did you fill your role as a child of God this past year?  Were you a positive or negative influence in your local church?
     We can’t change the things that took place in 2008.  Fortunately for those of us blessed with another year of life we have an opportunity to create a positive culture for the cause of the Lord.  Next year is like putty in our hands.  What will we do with this coming year?  We have next year in our hands what will we do?