When Monieca and I left KY yesterday morning on our return drive to Rock Hill, the mountains were covered with a beautiful hard frost. The trees glistened and from a distance it looked like snow. Once we made it to the Virginia side of the mountain, it was snow. Just enough to paint the ground white, but still beautiful. The mountains in winter can alternate between beautiful and ugly. When covered with a fresh snow or heavy frost, few sights equal their beauty. When barren and brown, their appearance can be discouraging and sad.

It’s similar to what happens when we look into the mirror of honest and deep reflection. We see both things that are beautiful and other things that discourage us. We see those things about ourselves of which we are proud and feel good. We also see those things we wish were different and would like to change.

Thus the New Year’s resolutions that so many of us make each year.

Last Sunday I suggested we do something different. Instead of making resolutions, allow God to show you what He wants to do in your life this new year. Listen to His voice so you can identify the burdens He has placed on your heart. Don’t try to change things on your own in your own strength. Instead PRAY like never before about each person, issue, need, etc that God puts on your list. Make each one a bulls-eye or draw a circle around it and pray every day this new year for God to do something.

In the sermon I asked this question: Why should we expect God to do anything if we don’t care enough to pray daily about it?

I want to encourage you to spend some time with God and let Him help you make a list for your life. To get more help, listen to last Sunday’s sermon on prayer by clicking here. You can also find it under the media tab above by clicking “sermons” and choosing the one on prayer.

In closing I want you to join us this Sunday evening at 5:00 pm for our “Tell God Your Requests for 2015” prayer event at FBC. You will not be praying out loud as part of a group. You will spend time seeking God in prayer at various prayer stations of your choosing. How much time you spend in prayer is up to you. It could be 30 minutes or 90 minutes. Helps will be available at each station to assist you in praying about the burdens, needs, hopes, and etc that God has put on your heart.

For 2015 to be a truly happy new year, it will take more than a party on New Year’s Eve. It will take an encounter with the living God that results in life change. That is why I’m encouraging you to start the new year in prayer. Again, listen to the sermon if you haven’t already, spend time alone with God, and join us Sunday night.

I want your life to glisten with beauty more than it already does.

Happy New Year from your Pastor,

Steve Hogg