Yes, this is a new year that will provide new opportunities and hopefully new beginnings for many. Yet, this is a new year that will also yield to the same old chosen paths that we a individuals seem to stay stuck in. The question is, will you make that new choice to actively follow God’s will for you life or will you start out on a good foot only to have your efforts “choked out by the growing weeds around you?”
It is vitally important to really get into God’s word and sincerely seek Him; trust me, I know what a difference it makes. Last year at this time my wife and I were four chapters into Proverbs as we committed to daily study of Proverbs for the month of January. At the time, I felt as though my life was in somewhat of a disarrayed state; however, as I progressively learned from God about the wisdom that lay hidden in the Proverbs, I knew that I was right in the place God willed me to be. Throughout the following weeks of Jan.-Feb. ’07, things seemingly got worse and I found my family and myself sleeping on an air mattress in the living room of a close family friend. I questioned God about what was going on and searched my own heart for innapropriate emotions/thoughts. God showed me that I was indeed on the right path with Him so I continued in good spirits and gave thanks for the invisible sunshine (that only my family and I could see) in the storm.
Life began rapidly progressing; I secured a full-time job with a local university (in which I also attend), my family was able to move into a beautiful “luxury apartment home,” and we were blessed with a surprisingly under priced vehicle in very good condition (NO CAR PAYMENTS!). My classes at the university are paid for (because I work there) and my wife will begin taking classes as well (also paid for). Of course, all the glory is given to God the Father; this is quite simply just a testament to yielding to God’s will and choosing to follow Him no matter what the surrounding circumstances look like. In fact, I can honestly say that my personal household has not been affected by the “economic crisis” that so many Americans are experiencing. I can only hope that others grasp the hope and safety of the Lord as well. Please understand that I do not say these things boastfully, rather these statements are a witness to God’s protection of those who truly abide in Him – Psalm 91.
Now here’s the shocker…I don’t believe in the “prosperity doctrine” that has ravaged so many people’s faith nor do I tithe or even belong to a “home” church (tithing is NOT new covenant and the church is not contained in Sunday meetings in glorious buildings). HOWEVER, I READ GOD’S WORD FOR MYSELF, fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, GIVE OFFERINGS, and ask God to bless me with the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of His word. God is faithful and has and continues to impart upon me such knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Throughout it all, my faith has exponentially increased – Romans 10:17.
Now, in this new year as I continue seeking God, I can only imagine how He will guide me through these tumultuous days of our lives. I do know that He has placed a desire in my heart to assist the poor and empower others to search God’s word for answers from Him.
So, to wrap all of this up, I urge you to question man’s tradition and seek answers from God’s word. Read Psalm 118:18-19…that will be a good beginning to the year for you.
Much Love and Blessings in Christ’s Holy name,
T. Hollis
mailto:lwh3@swatmusic.com
SWATMusic.com
