The end of a year naturally brings a time of reflection. What were the highs and lows of the past year, what didn’t I do that I wish I had and what did I do that I wish I hadn’t? Where did I live out my faith and where did I let God down? Where could I have made better use of my time, energy and gifts? I suspect all of us can think of things to fit each of these categories. It is easy to look back and become defeated and discouraged.

The Christian life is a process. We are encouraged in scripture to live out our faith. God knows our weaknesses and strengths. He knows the areas we struggle in and works in us to strengthen our walk with Him. He brought trials into your life in 2011 to help your grow, to teach you to depend on Him, to defeat pride and produce humility and strengthen you for the future.

I believe reflection is a great thing, as long as it doesn’t keep you from moving on. Take time to look honestly at your walk with God and your relationship with family, friends and co-workers. Take stock of your faithfulness to witness, pray, study the Bible and encourage others in their faith. Evaluate if you grew in your faith this year. Ask God to help you have an accurate assessment of who you are and where you are in your walk with Him and others.

When you’ve finished your assessment, it’s time to honestly talk with God: You may need to confess and repent; you may need to humbly give thanks; you may need to ask for His help and guidance to take care of some problems you face because of what you did or didn’t do. When you are finished talking the year over with God, it’s time to let it go. You confessed, repented, gave thanks and asked for guidance; now move on to 2012. Do not allow the failures or successes of 2011 keep you from being and doing what God desires in 2012.

A whole new year stretches out before you with its 366 days (leap year) of possibilities. This year is unstained by sin, failure or rebellion; it also has no record of accomplishment, success or praise. Every year is a totally blank tablet. Let me encourage you to set out to make this year an incredible journey of growth, accomplishment and service. Ask God to guide you. Read the Bible through, go on a mission trip, begin to tithe, identify some people you are going to witness to, volunteer to teach a Bible study or Sunday class, begin a small group at your home. God will amaze you with what He helps you do if you will give Him the opportunity.

If we, as a church family, commit to growth in discipleship in 2012, we will look back next December in amazement at what God has done through us in just one year.

The year 2012 begins on Sunday. It doesn’t happen that often, but what a great way to begin the year, at church with our church family.

I encourage you to bring some folks to church with you. I often hear comments about the friendliness of Grant Avenue, about how great the music is, or how the message spoke to you.
If you are being challenged and enjoy the Bible study and worship bring someone with you. Let’s make this the year we bring our friends to church. Bring them, help them get plugged in, and introduce them to others.

Make sure you greet our guests each week. It is intimidating to come to a new church, help them feel at home.

It’s going to be a great year. I love being your pastor.