By SherRie Blango and Patricia Hobley

Happy New Year Saints! As we enter this new season, a year for new beginnings; we have much to look forward to. We are believers knowing that God is going to restore, exceed and provide where there was lack, disappointment and un-fulfillment in 2007. And that we shall be more than conquerors in 2008! But in order to really move forward, we recommend that you first Forgive and release those thing that may have hindered you in the past. Then fulfill your cup with Love and let it overflow in every aspect of your life. In doing so, consider the following message:

Love and Forgiveness are like Grace and Mercy if you see one you see the other, they can’t operate without each other. To forgive is to love and to love requires forgiveness. Love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things; also love covers a multitude of sin. Forgiveness keeps love alive. God expects us to do as He does, He forgave us and we should forgive others. In the book of Luke 23:34 Jesus demonstrated what true love and forgiveness really looked like. As He was on his way to Calvary being beaten and whipped for something he did not do, he asked “Our father” to forgive those that preformed this act, because they knew not what they were doing.

Jesus’ love for us and obedience to “Our Father” caused Him to be crucified for our sin. There is no greater love, than the love of one that will lay down His life for another.

You know God does not require us to lay down our life (our ways of living) for another besides Him, but only that we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind; also to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Matt. 22:37-40). Now loving ourselves sometimes can be a challenge because we know our own faults, sins, shortcomings and we may not feel worthy to love ourselves. This is why Jesus died for us, so we could first accept His free gift of love, and then love ourselves, so we could love others. Jesus understood that “Our Fathers” love for us required a sacrifice and that sacrifice was Him. Once we accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior that is the ultimate love and forgiveness that we can give to ourselves and then we are able to extend to others.

So, have you accepted the greatest love of all, if not you may do so at this time if you choose by saying this simple prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, I admit that I am a sinner. I’m confessing with my mouth and believing in my heart that Jesus died for me and my sin. I believe You raised Him from death to eternal life and He is seated at Your right hand. I commit my life to You on this day, thanking you for forgiving me of my sins. Please come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Now, this is what we call a wonderful way to start the New Year. If you invited Christ into your life, please contact us and let us know so we may continuously pray for you.
If you are already a believer, may your new years resolutions include developing a
more intimate relationship with Christ and one that forgives more easily and shares love more often. Keep hope alive and expect great things in 2008!