New Year, New Opportunities

Pastor Bong Gonzales

When God created the heavens and the earth, He set time primary to provide order in all things.

The cycle of seasons and years are for the purpose of providing goals to set and to finish what has been. It brings new beginning to those who look for another chance and opportunity to do better, achieve greater and become much more than the past.

We have different calendar depending on religious belief and cultural background. Regardless of which one uses, it all has this in common: a beginning and an end. This set of time is followed; people make priorities and organize plans based on it. It also measures the length of time one had spent in this life and with others.

This is one of those which one will give an account on what and how he/she have used them. Someone once say, “It’s not how long you live but how much you gave to make other live”.

Here are some helpful insights as we welcome the New Year:

1. Consider the past as history and pick up everything that made you learn to become a better you. Forgive. Let go and give yourself and others a chance to make things right. Learn from every mistake and plan not to commit the same.
2. Appreciate the present, for it is a gift from above and it’s good (James 1:5). Make the best of every thing, every time and every people you meet, have and loved. Make sure that you look at them as Christ sees them, as Christ loves them and as Christ accepts them. Use yourself as the measurement that Christ loves them as you are.
3. Look ahead without being pulled back by the past, even if you are uncertain of what’s ahead. Learn to observe, read and pray. He always guides those who seek Him. To those who see, He shows more. (Jer 29:11-12)
4. Find the courage to believe, achieve and receive better, greater and bigger favor and blessing from God who is good and generous to those who seek and obey Him. (Matt 6:33)
5. Define your goal, priorities and abilities, then find those who like you are on the same pursuit, for it is always better to be with those who see things as you do, love you as you are and believe what you believe! 

Finally, no matter what, it’s always he/she who neither gives up nor compromise, who looks ahead with confidence and courage that does and welcomes new opportunities and makes one if needed. Holding on to Him who knew all things and who is able to bring us through no matter what comes our way.

Christ is still the best companion in every endeavor and pursuit in this existence we call life. Again, honor your time and the limited opportunity it brings!

Have a blessed New Year to all! 

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“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
- Isaiah 42:9 (KJV)