A NEW YEAR

It is Jan. 8 07...I wonder if anyone reads this anymore...I doubt it, but if you do, thanks for doing so. I might reprint the address in our church youth group's newsletter tomorrow. The beginning of a new year, and the end of an old, has always been a BIG time of reflection for me...I remember sitting in a room full of slides years ago when I lived in Florence reliving the year as I prepared for the New Year's Eve service. Now, it's all done on computer, and I don't even do the final presentation anymore. This year, the video that my friend Earl produced was extra good. I wish more people had seen in New Year's Eve, but that's OK, I'm NOT bitter...I'm really not, and I'm thankful to the students and parents who came to see it and be a part of the Lord's supper service that I think is the best way to end the year. Anyway....last week I had a very tough day on Jan. 3, but Sunday morning as I drove to church God reminded me of what happened on Jan. 2...it was a great day, as our friend from Dillon's Successful Afterschool Sites came to be with us and our new building, now a year old, was filled with kids from very different backgrounds coming together, to have fun and hear God's word proclaimed. It was something I had prayed for. Another prayer I had was answered today. I'm not real good with doing games with young people, like fun games that teach a lesson...I will NEVER be a person that plays games with people, but unfortunately that is tough sometimes....anway, I remember praying not long ago for God to bring someone alongside me that can use games to teach real spiritual lessons, and He answered that today, I think. I talked with a young man named Kane, and I think he's going to be a great asset to our student ministry here, and he likes to plan and organize games that have a purpose. This past week God also taught me that I need to call on others to pray TOGETHER more....as Christians, I believe we don't do that enough, and we all know prayer is what holds us together. We need to hear each other voicing our prayers to God, it helps us know each other better, but it requires us to be open and real. If you are reading this, will you pray for our group going to Gatlinburg this week-end? There are friendships that need to be healed, friendships that need to be deepened, life memories that need to be made. My group is already divided into prayer groups and I hope all the leaders of those groups are really praying for their group members. The DR has been on my mind today as well as we prepare to return there on March 30...God always does great things in my life when I go there to serve...go to www.marshadavidson.blog.com to read about our friend Marsha's ministry there. I will be calling on our students Wednesday night to make committments for the new year. I'm committed to calling people to pray together more. In our church, that is essential as we search for a new pastor. I think that one of the most important things I do on Sundays is to pray with people at the alter, something I have done since I was a little boy, going to the alter. In Acts 1, it talks about people meeting together CONTINUALLY for prayer. I encourage you to get with your Christian brothers and sisters and pour out your heart to God...I know that I need to do more of that. This new year started out great, then a storm came, but as an old song I know says, God will outlast your storm, and I believe that. I hope you do too! We need to keep pressing on, and doing and BEING what God has called us to do and be, the light of the world and the salt of the earth.