Fresh Start 2010
by Brian Williams, 'The Weekly Thought'

 Welcome to this New Year.  It is amazing how we seem to get a new perspective, set new goals and get excited about “starting over” when the calendar flips.  We set New Years resolutions, strive for new accomplishments and most famous of all – try to get in better health!  There is nothing specifically wrong with these things, however, most of these ambitions last only for a few weeks then real life and its busyness set in and these new resolutions fade away for another year.  Here is a totally new perspective to start this year – hopefully one that will last a life time. 

 Recently I was able to be with my family and for the first time meet Emmaline (put picture on face book).  A beautiful baby girl adopted one year ago by my sister Stephanie and brother-in-law Scott from China.  It took several years, hard work and lots of money to get her.  She definitely stands outin family pictures.  Her black hair, darker skin and brown eyes are completely opposite from the fair skin, blue eye, blond hair rest of the family.  But in every way, she is a completely accepted and loved as part of the family.

 When Stephanie went to pick Emmaline up from the orphanage in China, Emma was underfed, living in a crib in the midst of tons of other babies suffering the same fate. She had been dropped off at the door of the orphanage as a new born by a parent who couldn’t, or wouldn’t, raise her.  As you probably know in China families can have one child.  They all want boys and if they have a girl many families cast them off to try again.  Emma was neglected and unloved.   She didn’t smile or laugh much.  She had very short hair to avoid bugs and other issues.  She was timid and didn’t know how to run or play since most of her days were spent in a crib.  She is like a new child because of the love of her new parents.   She smiles a lot, she gives and receives affection, she playing and jumping with her sisters.  She is living in confidence, love and freedom.  Even her physical appearance has changed with longer hair, her own little wardrobe and a healthier weight.  What a beautiful view of a Fresh Start.

 “Our beliefs and lives after accepting Christ should be a Fresh Start each day of our lives.”   

 In comparison to my little niece, I was bound up in my life in many ways before Jesus set me free.  I was caught in the crib of sin, spiritually starved and neglected, living in a dark place without allowing love to fill my soul.  I was malnourished and hindered in many ways.  Christ came to set me free by bringing us into the family of God where there is freedom, love, protection, confidence, joy and an ability to use our abilities for Him.  If you have accepted Christ as your savior – your story is the same!

 Yes, setting goals, having vision, moving forward this year is important but not nearly as important as fully realizing the freedom that Emma does daily since being removed from captivity by loving parents.  Life is not a to-do list, it is a beautiful adventure to be lived and explored through the watchful eye and protection of your loving father and family.  Make this year a Fresh Start by actually realizing that day by day you have a beautiful family and an adventure to live for God through the blood of Jesus Christ.  Don’t settle for captivity in your life, be free and set your direction by God’s perfect compass, not your broken one.  If you have never accepted Christ as your savior, there is not better way to live.  If you would like to know how to do this, e-mail me and I will be happy to talk with you more about it.  Happy Fresh Start!

 Here are some important questions for the week to answer and keep in front of  you:
1) Do you focus on your problems or to-do list instead of your Father?     
2) Do you experience joy and freedom in life or are you still feeling captivity?  
3) Will you smile today and “jump and play” in the freedom of Christ?   

Prayer: “Lord, why do I still at times allow myself to be held captive by thoughts and actions, when you have already given me freedom.  Allow me today, and every day to walk in your joy and freedom by allowing you to loose the chains that so easily bind.  Help me also to bring others to your freedom.  Amen.”  

Scripture:  Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

 God Bless, Pastor and Coach Brian Williams © Brian Williams, 2009
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The Following was borrowed from:


Bible Study Verse
Malachi 3:12
"And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the LORD of hosts. (NKJV)

Thoughts
I'm writing this devotion 2,409 days removed from September 11, 2001, the day that the United States of America was attacked by 19 foreign terrorists. Two-thousand, nine-hundred ninety-eight people were killed, and not only Americans. Over 80 different countries mourned their own nationals who were among the casualties. It was a tragic day in world history.

The United States of America stands tall as the land of the free and the home of the brave. We stared tragedy in the face and solemnly reacted when war was declared on us. For the safety of all Americans and in defense of freedom, we transferred that war from our turf to the sands from which it emerged. Now, brave men and women wage the battle there. My brother is currently among them, as are others I personally know. We've yet to be attacked again in the homeland. God bless our warriors and keep them safe.

Throughout our nation's history, we have won freedom for millions, both here and abroad. We stand in the line of fire against tyranny. We sacrifice uncountable numbers of our own for liberty and justice around the world. We embrace and lift up impoverished nations. We establish democracy where no one dares think it possible. We are truly a blessed nation, a delightful land. Our enemies know this. Too many nations loathe it. But some do, indeed, recognize it and gladly call us friend. (DAH)

Action Point
These words in Malachi are a promise God gives to those who fully trust in Him. It's actually part of a series of promises God makes. In Malachi 3:10, He challenges people to bring all the tithes into the storehouse and to try Him in this--if He will not pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. May we as a nation keep God truly the One in whom we trust.
   
   
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Keep copies of The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights near your reading area or with your Bible. Read them often. Christians should be on the front line of knowing the contents of these precious documents.