I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas. Surely the Christmas season is one of the most special of the year. It is a time for family and friends. But most of all it is a time when we can remember the miraculous birth of our Savior. For it is that miraculous birth, sinless life, selfless death, and glorious resurrection which provides for each of us the opportunity of eternal life. How bleak and dreary this world would be if it were not for the realization that we can live eternally with Jesus. It is this sure and certain hope which brings joy and glad tidings to this holiday season.

As we approach a new year we hear much about 'new years resolutions'. And yet with all of these good intentions some say as many as 75% of all resolutions fail and are disbanded. But what if 2010 were to be the year that we carried out our resolutions. What if 2010 were the year when we finally declared victory over that besetting sin? Over that annoying habit. What if 2010 were the year when we truly experienced the daily joy of living in God's grace? The good news is we can! Jesus wants us to have victory. He desires that our joy may be full. Let us resolve now that we will daily put God first in our lives. That He will come before any other cares or obligations we may have. What a difference it will make!

As we prepare to begin a new year certainly the challenges are all around us. But so too are the opportunities. What if we each resolved to daily share our faith and see at least one person give their hearts to Jesus for the first time. I believe that God brings into our pathways people who desperately need to hear of the salvation of heaven. He brings them into our lives so that we may be a witness to them. What if we started the new year by every day intentionally sharing our faith with those we meet? I believe God's kingdom would be greatly increased.

This week as you begin a new year please know that I will be praying for God's leading in our Conference, in your church, in your life. I would ask that you remember me in your prayers as well. As we go forward in 2010 on our knees together I am confident that God will lead us and that His name will be glorified. God bless you.

Your friend,
Jim