At that time, two friends often invited us to church. After saying "no" for six years, I finally accepted their invitation in 1988. We first went to their house for dinner, and then attended a Christmas program which included singing, sharing, and skit performance. The short play mainly compared and contrasted two women: one had money but no love, and the other had no money but had loving relationships. It turned out that one did not have Jesus, but the other had Jesus.
On the morning of January 1, 1989 (Sunday), I thought of those two women and asked myself, "What do I want? Can people really live differently?"
My friends mentioned a "new" church not far from my home, I decided to go and have a look. That was my first time attending Sunday worship. As soon as I entered the door, I heard singing. Seeing rows of people sitting in a big hall reminded me of the "morning assembly" in my secondary school days. Those were the happiest, calmest and most stable time in my youth. How many years ago was that? I arrived late and left early to avoid talking with people and having to introduce myself. But from that day on, I went to church every Sunday to find some peace and quiet.
On the evening of January 28th (Saturday), I attended an evangelistic meeting to "go and see". The speaker is a doctor-turned-pastor. Like me, he came from Hong Kong to pursue the American dream. All my proud achievements suddenly seemed insignificant compared to his. Unexpectedly, at the peak of his career, he also experienced loneliness and emptiness, and he also neglected family relationships. When he was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer, he turned back to seek the God whom he had heard of in his youth ...
After his testimony, someone led us to sing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". My heart was deeply moved by the lyrics "Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!" I couldn't help but sob. It turned out that I also needed the Savior Jesus!
In the new year, may you know the one true God and the real you, for "if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Old things have passed, but our old habits and old influences are still there. We need to trust and obey, live by the grace of the Lord, and let God change us. As the Serenity Prayer says, ""God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
Have you ever had trouble achieving your New Year's resolutions? You are not alone. Most people who make resolutions cannot abide by them on their own. However, here are ten ways to make and keep your New Year’s resolutions or any changes in your life.
1. Make resolutions you care about. Be certain the change you want to make really matters to you, and that it’s not just something you think you “should” do.
2. Be specific and concrete. Not “I want to lose weight” but “I want to lose five pounds by March 15.” State your goals in measurable and attainable terms.
3. Make time. If you want to exercise three times a week, write the dates and times in your calendar.
4. Easy does it. Start slowly. Don’t expect to run a marathon by February if you can’t make six miles now.
5. Do it differently. If you’ve made the same old resolution for ten years and never been able to keep it, do something differently this time.
6. Emphasize the positive. Better to say what you can do rather than what you can’t.
7. Start over if you need to. Don’t let one slip cause you to quit the whole program.
8. Share your resolutions with a buddy. It’s easier to exercise with supportive family and friends.
9. Believe in yourself. Post positive, affirming, and encouraging words to your bathroom mirror, desk, and refrigerator.
10. Celebrate your successes. Congratulate and reward yourself.
I pray that God will lead you to make the resolutions you most care about and start the new year with a new beginning.
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:12,17)
Author's content used with permission, © Claire Communications
