Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Welcome to the New Year!

If you’re reading this, you’ve made it with me into another year, the year of 2018.  Congratulations!  The number 8 represents new beginnings and I believe that also translates into regeneration and rejuvenation.  No one will dispute the challenges and pitfalls of 2017 but now that we are in 2018, let us make every effort to grow from what is now behind us.  There has been strife, contention, and unrest but there is also grace, kindness, and peace.

Number 8 in the Bible signifies new beginnings.  In Genesis chapter 8, Noah and his wife, his 3 sons his sons 3 wives, 8 people, stepped off the Ark to begin a new life in a new world.

In John chapter 20, doubting Thomas came to believe in Christ exactly 8 days after Jesus first appeared to the Apostles. It was the beginning of new life for Thomas!

John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

In Philippians 4:8, finally, brethren, 1. whatsoever things are true, 2. whatsoever things are honest, 3. whatsoever things are just, 4. whatsoever things are pure, 5. whatsoever things are lovely, 6. whatsoever things are of good report; 7. if there be any virtue, 8. and if there be any praise, think on these things.

As we start this year, let us work hard to not let the bad overshadow the good.  I have 8 suggestions for you:

    1. Make your bed every day.
    2. Spend more time in the real world than in the virtual world.
    3. Do a self-examination; find out what’s missing from your life.
    4. Exercise your faith, pray and read your Bible.
    5. Don’t engage with negative thoughts or negative people.
    6. Open your mind and heart to learn and receive wisdom and education.
    7. 365 days lie ahead of you, write the most beautiful chapter of your life.
    8. Break through the scaffolding of anything or anyone that holds you back.  Your gift is needed, share it.
I encourage you to look around, take a moment to reflect on the love, the joy, and the faith that has brought you through and I pray will continue to keep you.


Peace,

SharB~TTSD



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