Devotional - December, 27, 2023

Lamentations 3: 21-23  Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

I enjoy writing devotions on the eve of a new year!  It is a time for renewal, change, reflection, and hope.  Your mind can run wild with all kinds of ideas as you look forward to all that is to come.  There's nothing wrong with dreaming.  It is good for the soul.  But, the process is hindered by past regrets.  Folks, we all mess up, sometimes due to our own short-comings and sometimes due to the short-comings of others.  And sometimes, many times, a little of both.  In the Jewish tradition, they cannot start something new until they rid themselves of the old.  On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, they perform something called Tashlich where they recite prayers and throw bits of bread into the water.  If possible, they do this where the bread can be consumed by fish and ducks.  When they are done, they shake the flaps of their clothing to get rid of any crumbs or other debris.  The word Tashlich means "to cast".  It symbolizes casting away one's sin and accusing mind.  Not a bad idea.  We cannot keep compounding our lives with past sins and guilt.  There comes a time when we need to forgive others and ourselves, learn from our mistakes, make amends where possible, and move forward.  Renewed.  We need to experience God's mercy and compassion each morning.  We need to know our God is faithful and does not abandon us, ...ever (Deuteronomy 31:6-8 and Hebrews 13:5-6).  God's love allows us to make changes (Romans 2:4) and face the future confidently and wholeheartedly (1 John 4:4).  As you ready yourself for 2024, take a moment and reconcile in yourself all that has led up to it.  Allow for renewal and get a fresh start (Philippians 3:13-14).  

Pray with me.., Holy God, You offer us time for renewal.  Help us Lord, to use this time.  May it result in the abundance You seek to give.  Hear our prayers for our loved ones, bless them according to their needs, and bless our church, that we may be the people You call us to be, in Jesus name, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian