01/09/2011  Begin Again:  Psalm 1; Ephesians 1 

The dropping of the ball in Times Square at midnight on December 31st is no guarantee to a blessed new year. So what is the key that unlocks the door to a Happy New Year? What is the Pathway to Blessing? The simple but profound words of the Psalmist give us that insight. It is described in what we do and do not do. 

The Psalmist challenges us to think of WHO will be our COUNSELORS in the New Year 2011? He also exhorts us to reflect on WHO will be our MENTORS this New Year. And he also asks us to think about WHO will be our COMPANIONS. Who will you walk with this year, stand with this year, sit or dwell with this year? The Pathway to Blessing has to do with good choices which revolve around AVOIDANCE and INTENTIONALITY.

We will always live in this world among those who turn away from God’s gracious will. But we do not have to DWELL with them as consistent counselors, mentors and companions. We can love them and reach out to them, but we become like those we hang out with. We find wisdom by spending time with the wise; and the fruitful, wise person finds blessing through the MEDITATION of GOD’s gracious WORD day and night. Begin your day with God’s Word. End your day with God’s Word.  Reflect on God’s Word all day long.

As we turn to the New Testament, the apostle Paul clarifies for us that IN CHRIST, we find Divine Presence and Power in the Holy Spirit that keeps us on the Pathway to Blessing.  Read Ephesians One again today and rejoice in all the spiritual blessings that are yours in Christ. If you have not trusted in Christ as your Redeemer from Sin and your Leader in Life, today you can find the Pathway to Blessing for a New Year. Will you? The party hats and First Night celebration give no guarantees.