“New Again” 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 / Titus 3:5
	With the beginning of a new year comes reflection, and often times “resolutions” that are difficult to keep. I recently received an email from a relative that included the song/video “New Again,” a duet sang by Brad Paisley and Sarah Evans, and was awestruck by the spiritual message in the chorus.  Brad Paisley sings, in character as Jesus: “Whatever happens, whatever you see, whatever your eyes believe has become of me; this is not – not the end – for I am making all things new again.”  What power is in this message! As we all know, being a Christian does not insulate us from problems and pain and hurt and heartbreak, but our belief and faith in God should give us a hope.  Because he created us, he understands us and our feelings, and he does care.  Like many others, you may have experienced problems in 2007, but in the end – even when it seemed like God was far away, he was waiting for you to accept that - through prayer, he would make each day “new again” if you sought  his council, and wisdom, and that his will would be done. Clearly, it is out of hard times that we often find our biggest blessing; a blessing that should uplift our spirit, and bring us closer to God.  The blessing is God’s loving faithfulness to us.  Yes, there are times when we seem to have unanswered prayer – when it is hard to see what has become of Jesus in our lives – when we feel God is distant, isn’t listening or doesn’t care.  But we would do well to remember what part of the song states: “whatever happens, whatever you see, whatever your eyes believe has become of me; this is not, not the end, for I am making all things new again.”   It is this sort of assurance that should remind us of what a great and compassionate and forgiving God we have. So what should our “New Years Resolution” be this year?  Maybe it should be to be more appreciative of each day we have here on earth.  In our recent church play, a line was sung that went by quickly – yet to remember its message would do wonders for all – both young and old.  The character – Christian "the Christmas Cowboy" sings: “I’m thankful for every day God gives me, it’s like a present under the tree, and when I unwrap each one I’m reminded of the love that Jesus has for me.”  And while appreciating each day – maybe we should also resolve to pray each morning, never forgetting that God can make each day a new day, filled with hope and possibilities, if we simply ask him to do so. Why did “New Again” touch me? It was because there is power in the message of God’s renewal.  For when we finally realize the scope of what this renewal does for us, than there is only one last New Year’s Resolution to keep  – praising him always for everything he has done and will do for us.  Because in the end, everything that happens, happens to honor and glorify Him.   And in return – his love for us endures forever and ever.   If we remember that – and share it with others, 2008 can be our best year yet! By David Frercks