The year of 2010 has become history.

We can all look back and see where the Lord has brought us from.

We can also see how so many started out last year and did not make it to see this New Year of 2011.

God has allowed us that are living to cross over into the year 2011. What a blessing that is through all the ups and downs, even when we felt like we could not make it sometimes.

The Lord gave us the strength to carry on and do the things that we need to do. Everyday that we wake up is a new beginning and we should always start it out with the Lord, because tomorrow is not promised to us. God is still God and besides him, there is no other.

This is a new beginning with Jesus and we are to remember the past and look to the future. God loves us so much, he sent us a Savior and that is Jesus. For those who have not accepted Jesus, now is the time to start anew with Jesus. It is good that we have a second chance to turn our lives around.

In the Bible, God’s chosen people the Israelites had a new beginning after 400 years of oppression in Egypt. God heard their cry and sent them a deliverer who was Moses. Although Moses did not get into the Promised Land, God performed many miracles through him.

Joshua, the son of Nun, was given the task by God to lead more than 2 million people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, known as Canaan. The book of Joshua tells of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land. For 40 years, Israel had journeyed a circuitous route through the desert, but not because they were following the leader. They refused to obey God.

Joshua was qualified to take the people over. He was a brilliant military leader. The key to his success was his submission to God. He was a man of faith and courage.

According to the Bible, he and Caleb gave positive spy reports (Numbers 13:30-14:9). Joshua served God and Moses for 40 years because he had assisted Moses for 40 years. He was qualified to take over. God appointed him for the task. Joshua had a challenge, but he could not do it alone. He had to have some help. Joshua was told to be strong and of good courage.

In this year of 2011, we have got to be strong and of good courage. We need to learn from the mistakes we made in 2010 and move forward in a positive way. We need to take the Lord with us everywhere we go. Then we will have a new beginning in Christ. The Bible tells us that God loves us.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

We all are sinners and need a Savior.

“For all have sinned, and come short to the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

God has already made the way for us to be saved.

Romans 6:23 tells us “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

God has no respect of person and will not turn us away.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

In making a decision to start new this year, do not leave God out. Accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Pray and seek a church to hear and share with other believers. We can go and grow in the Lord. That type of atmosphere is different from our individual homes.

“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” (II Peter 3:18).

Prayer: “Lord, help us to trust and obey you as we start this New Year. Help us to love more and do the best we can. In Jesus name, Amen.”