Grand Canyon

We are fast approaching January 1st and the beginning of a brand new year. As you look back on 2010 are you proud of what you accomplished? Was this a banner year?

Hmmm I’m not talking about your portfolio, political successes, business acumen, or golf game, I’m talking about what is most important in life; your walk with God. Suppose you are playing in a football game and it is half time. God is your coach and you are in the locker room and He is reviewing 2010. Suddenly He turns and looks directly at you with eyes like burning coals that can see through to your very soul.

Does this scenario make you uncomfortable? That is a good start, because according to the Bible, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”.

The Bible teaches that one day we will give an accounting of everything we have done in this life. And while it is true that we cannot be good enough to get into heaven and Romans 6:23 tells us: “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” ; that scenario concerns eternal salvation at the Great White Throne of Judgment.

There will also be a judgment for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. I have often thought of what that day will be like and it is quite nerve racking. The Bible states in 2 Cor. 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

2011 is a brand new year and we will start putting some points on the board as soon as the ball drops in Times Square at midnight. Will you be drunk or at a church service? It might just depend upon the habits that have been ingrained in you for many years. Make 2011 the year that old habits die and new ones become ingrained. Like a river flowing through a canyon, the longer a habit continues, the more deeply it becomes ingrained and the more difficult it will become to break. If you rarely attended church last year, gave to the poor, helped the less fortunate, witnessed to others, studied the Bible, or prayed daily, then chances are you will do the exact same thing in 2011, unless you.

Eph. 4:22
throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like Godtruly righteous and holy.