It has been several years since we have had a “real” January. Last week we had some snow; a dusting on the south end of the county and several inches on the northern end. This morning it seems that last week’s wintry weather was just the opening act before the main event. We are forecast to get a real snow today (Tuesday, January 21st) followed by several days of colder weather than we have had in several years. I note that the weather forecasters are using, really overusing, the phrase, “brutally cold.” All we can do is wait and see what today and the next several days bring. I do hope that you will stay warm, take care of your water pipes and please be careful on the roads. As of now I expect that we will have morning worship on Sunday. We will just have to wait and see what the road conditions are on Sunday.
           It is a new year and things are rapidly changing in our country. The Georgia legislature is in session, we have a new Congress and a new Presidential administration. I know that it is easier to forecast the weather than to know what politicians and state and national legislatures will do. My standard advice is to have faith in God and trust in the Lord. Humans rise to power and have their moments of power; they eventually fade away. Only God is eternal and He is our ultimate hope and Savior.
           One of mankind’s eternal desire is for newness. That may mean a new home, a new car, a new job or any of a multitude of new things. The reality is that all of our new things eventually become old. The new wears off, sometimes far sooner than we imagined was possible. Unimaginable numbers of people begin every new year with a desire to become a new and improved person. Sometimes, occasionally, people do manage to effect real change in their lives; mostly not. How can we become new and better people? The answer is not, as often proclaimed via self-will – or if you refer, will power.
           The answer to our question about, "How do we change from what we are to what we want to be?" is found in Jesus. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.” It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we receive as Christians that change is made possible and permanent. This change is possible through prayer and reading scripture, especially the Gospels and the New Testament. Change is also made more powerful by regularly gathering with the people of God as we worship together.
           Jesus came not only to provide us eternal salvation, precious as that gift is. He also wanted us to be a new creation while we were in this world. May we be open to God’s spirit as He leads us through this life. When I am faced with some of the often difficult and seeming impossible situations of life, I know what to do. I seek God in prayer, scripture and worship. The question I seek an answer for is: “What would Jesus do?” I also ask, “What would Jesus have me do?” I often find that what I want to do, or say, is not what He would have me say or do. I have found that if I do what He leads me to do, or say, (or not to do or say) that the situation resolves itself. In Christ Jesus, our Lord, we will find the newness that we need and seek.
           I am aware that this is “preachy” – but that is after all, part of who I am. May God keep you safe during this week’s coming storm and also during the storms of life. I look forward to seeing you in morning worship this week. It is not the same without you.

Office closed in the event of snow & ice this week.

Grace and Peace, Ben