SLBMinistries

Every year there is a lot of talk from folks about New Year’s resolutions. It’s like there is some magic in changing calendars from the current year to the new year. Today, December 31st, there will be parties everywhere biding farewell and good reddens to 2024 and ushering in 2025. A fresh new start! Anything is possible! How exciting!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but changing a calendar has no magic power or force. In 2025 you will still be you, just as you have been in 2024. Your thoughts, your moral standards, your dreams, your goals, your body; all will be the same on January 1st as they were on December 31st.

I do want to be the bearer of good news! There is one way to get a new start. Do you really want your life to change for the better in 2025? It is very possible for everyone. The way to this new start is to turn to Jesus!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP) - Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

You can make all the new year’s resolutions you want but, sadly, most fail within a very short period of time. But, when you turn to Jesus, there is an everlasting change. A change in your mindset, a change in the way you face challenges, a change in the way you see and love others, joy you that will have in each new day, the assurance that all will work out for your good (not that all is good), and you will find a new purpose.

How do I do that; you might ask? It seems way too easy to make sense but, all one must do is to sincerely ask Jesus to forgive you and become THE LORD of your life.

Romans 10:13 (AMP) - For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord [in prayer] will be saved.”

Now that is a promise you can take to the bank!

- Rev. Steven L Brunk

Something that has been on my mind this week.

There is a lot of great Chriatian music. So much of it edifying to us, a witness to God's awesome, full of good teaching, and moving.
BUT not all of Christian music is Praise and Worship music. The difference is that Praise and Worship music is TO God not ABOUT God.

When we say "let us enter I to a time of Praise and Worship" our focus and thoughts and the center of our hearts is to be directed TO our God.

Praise and Worship, personally, and in The Church is not a concert, not a time of teaching, not a time for displays of lights and smoke, not a time for showcasing musical or vocal skills, and not a time of what we can get, or learn, but a time of adoration and Thanksgiving to the One who showers us with mercy, grace, love, and a multitude of blessings.

Father, Abba, let us return to give to you our Praise and worship which glorifies, honors, and pleases you!