In the Beginning

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Gen. 1:1)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (Jn. 1:1-2)

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life -- the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us -- that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (I Jn. 1:1-4)

Here we are "at the beginning" of a New Year. It's hard to believe that a year has passed. It seems like only a short time ago we were all talking about Y2K -- the beginning of the new millenium. (We finally got rid of our 50 gallon barrels of water in the garage!) Now it's 2005! Where did the time go? And what did we do with it? And what will we do with the new year to come?

As I look at "the beginnning" from God's perspective, He was very purposeful in His actions. He had a plan. And everything He did (and does) revolves around that plan -- to bring us into right relationship with Himself, so we can worship Him and have fellowship with Him.

As I look at my own life, I ask myself, "Do all my actions and plans revolve around Him, and around my relationship with Him and drawing others into fellowship with Him?" I have to confess a resounding "NO". I don't want to start my new year under guilt and condemnation. I don't want to start with "a 5 year plan for success" or with "7 easy steps to God". But I do want to start with a purpose. I do want to start it fresh and new. I want to start my new year from God's perspective, if possible. I am praying that I will see people and situations with His eyes and with His heart, not from my own fleshly view. And I am praying that I will allow the Holy Spirit to respond rather than allowing my flesh to react.

It's a new year. We have a new opportunity to love God, to worship HIm, to enjoy HIm, and to serve Him. I pray that you will take this new opportunity to embrace His grace and mercy. After all, it's new every morning. He sits and waits for us to come and sit with HIm. Let's take one day at a time. Let today be a "beginning" for you.

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