Happy New Year, January 1, 2016

The Psalmist David penned "Enter His gates with thanksgiving, enter His court with praise. Be thankful and bless His name. For the Lood is good and His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 100:4-5) Today we embark on a new journey. We have 365 days staring us in the face expexting us to respond appropriately. For some of us, we are thankful 2015 is over and 2016 is here. For others, 2015 was really good and we almost hate to see it go. 2016 almost seems a little nerve wrecking. Fear of the unknown perhaps seems overwhelming. 

Though each of us have different agendas and desires for this new year perhaps we can glean from the words of the prophet Isaiah, "Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19) You and I must "be aware of it," the new thing God wants to do in and through us. However as we begin this new year and as we invite the Holy Spirit to do new things in us, we must practice the words of David, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not His benefits." (Psalm 103:1-2) 

Yes He makes all things new, including you and I, (2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” This is a new year, let's be thankful, lets bless His name, and let's expect Him to bring new things to and through us! 

Be Blessed,

--Josh Edwards

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