Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

New opportunities present themselves each day. The New Year reminds us that life continues and we need be more than a passive recipient of that which comes our way as we experience life on a daily basis. We have the power to imagine, envision, dream and to see ourselves in positions and experiences we desire. We have the power to order our steps and to transform our mind and direct it towards the goals we set.

The power of which I speak is the faith to which we subscribe. The power of the Holy Spirit and our knowledge of Christ and Christ's work informs us of the power God makes available to us. Because Christ did so can we. We too can perform miracles as did Christ. That is if we believe in the faith described by The Holy Bible.

John 14:12 reads as follows: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." This is one of many powerful passages which can serve to enlighten and empower us and fuel us to move forth in the new opportunities presented to us each day.

As I recreate myself, rediscover my mission and look at the impact that I want to make, I take responsibility for my role in my life. I believe too many Christians leave everything to God in prayer. Don't get me wrong, I understand all too clearly that God is in control that God created and sustains the Heaven and the earth. I accept Jesus as my Lord, Savior and Redeemer. I also accept the fact that he calls me friend. One of my favorite songs contains the verse, "I am a friend of God. I am a friend of God I am a friend of God, He calls me friend."

Being a friend of God is awesome. With it comes great privilege and responsibility. Friends are loyal and accountable to each other. They are in relationship with each other. They respect one another and they have each other's best interest at heart. God through Christ wants to be in relationship with every human soul. As God's friend part of my responsibility is to nurture my relationship with God and challenge and help others to do the same.

I go forth in this New Year knowing that God has my best interest at heart, after all he calls me friend. As I go forth this year I go forth knowing that I can impact the world as I have been led. I can help get marriages off to a good start and I can help heal marriages. I can help men and women grow spiritually. I can share my knowledge and experiences with those who will hear. I can point the way to Christ's prosperity.

Christ himself said that I have come that you might have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). As I move forward I move forward with an understanding that I move forward to help others, others who can benefit from me, and I can benefit from them. I move forward looking for partnerships and win-win situations. I can enjoy life and life more abundantly as I help others do the same. In doing so I will create a Happy New Year not only for myself but as well for those who covenant to walk with me for the next twelve months.

Happy New Year. I look forward to walking with you. Together let us experience the power, love and joy that is available to us, after all we have rejoiced as we have received the Hope that Christ brings and that this season reflects.

-Rev. Dr. Gary A.