12.29.10

1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.


Dear friend,

It's that time of year again for making a fresh start. Many of us mull over the resolutions we'll make for the New Year, vowing that this will be the year we actually follow through. We're digging out old gym shoes and dusting off treadmills. We resolve to read our Bibles more, eat less, workout more, view TV less, pray more, indulge in the world less. Come January 1st, we're focused and determined. We have a fresh view on life; full of hope and excitement for the future.

But then something happens. A slip up here, another one there and the next thing you know, we're back, neck deep in our old habits and unhealthy ways; all the things we desired to put behind us are once again part of our daily routine. They creep in and before you know it, all that we have achieved and worked so hard for, is undone. Maybe it's lack of will power or perhaps sin that hasn't been fully addressed. Regardless of what it is, the enemy wants nothing more than to see us struggle and to fall short of God's Glory! The enemy relishes in our failures and sets out to deter our well intended plans. And the downward spiral begins.

But God promises without exception, that "he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." All he asks of us is that we confess our sins. To share with him our short-comings and seek his strength to overcome!

The awesome thing is that we don't have to wait for a new year. We don't even have to wait until tomorrow. We can have a fresh start right now, at this very moment. God loves us just as we are, right where we are, but he does want the best for us!

So go, just as you are, and present yourself before God's throne. Share your life with him, every aspect. There's nothing that he doesn't know about you, what you've thought or done. He knows your heart. The freedom you'll find by entrusting your life completely to Jesus Christ is inexplicable! It's a peace and comfort unlike anything in this world!

Here's to a happy new beginning in Christ!

-Robert