NEW BEGINNINGS

He makes all things new (Revelations 21:5)

There is something special about that countdown to midnight on December 31st each year. There's that fresh hope, a gift full of promise, a new beginning! Three hundred and sixty-five days to fan the flames of unfulfilled hopes and dreams. A renewed faith in the God that is an expert at drying tears, calming fears, injecting courage into anxious hearts and removing the sting of old and bad memories. He truly does make all things new. He never leads you back, just forward.

What do you want to happen this year? Seek God, determine your goals, write them down and go for it. God has already instructed Mercy and Goodness to follow you as constant companions all the days of your life. He longs to be gracious to you. We however can maximize our potential and be the best we can be in 2012.

• Put God first:  You are guaranteed to attract God's divine favor and increase when God becomes #1 in your life. When you seek him first, all the things that you want will automatically come to you. So study His Word, get a good devotional and stick with it. Go to church and fellowship regularly with other believers. Find a place to serve. Be consistent and faithful.
• Maximize what God's given you:  Stick to what you do best. Start with the talents you have and build on that. Don't measure yourself against someone else. You are unique. Just make sure you do with excellence what God has given you.
• Focus on what God called you to do: Refuse to be distracted. See yourself succeeding. Talk about success, not failure. Hold on to the dream like a bull dog holds on to a bone! Live it, breathe it and you will be sure to see increase, favor and blessings in 2012.

Happy New Year!