• Encouraging a family member/friend/stranger
• Sharing the gospel
• Teaching/Speaking Truth
• Working a job
• Visiting the sick/neighbor/hospitalized
• Praying for your enemies
• Going the extra mile

The “missed opportunities” from year to year, WOW, the list can go on and on; some become a way of life – a habit that needs breaking; some missed opportunities pass us without our noticing that God had placed us there for that purpose; and then there are those missed opportunities we see in hindsight which nag at our mental capacities! Some I have carried for years! How about you?

Learning not to miss a fresh start is one of the best new year’s gifts you can give yourself! The benefits of examining our life through the eyes of Scripture bring clarity and purpose. Excess baggage and sin of missed opportunities can be lifted from our shoulders; and what’s more, freeing ourselves of any guilt by accepting the forgiveness that our Heavenly Father is always ready to impart.  Don’t miss an opportunity “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Just “come” confess your need to the Father as He is waiting for such an acknowledgement. And the Bible says, “I WILL” give you rest. He doesn’t stop and think if you are deserving or not; if you have prayed enough prayers; if you have cleaned your room…just come to Him – it is a sign of humility and need. He never turns away a humble, needy heart!

1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!

2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.

4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.

7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

10 Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.

11 So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! (Psalm 32, NLT)

P.S. Just a reminder: You cannot call God “your Father” unless you are born into the family. John chapter 3 in the Bible is a great place to find the meaning of a “new birth.” Read it for yourself ~ and you will find His explanation to Nicodemus, with the great announcement coming in verse 16! There you will find Jesus! Please do not stop short; believe in the finished work of the Son of God and trust Him Who takes away your sin and gives you eternal life!

If you would like to receive an email each time a new post is up on the blog, type your email in the box above!