The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year for some. We’re spending time with family, friends, shopping, exchanging gifts, and cooking our favorite meals. Homes embrace the scent of live pine trees and the aroma of delicious holiday edibles. The planning and preparation can at most times be so rewarding that we find ourselves planning the next Christmas holiday. Then it almost feels like in a matter of seconds…family and friends are departing, the Christmas tree comes down, and the reality of a new year is fast approaching. For most of us, this is an intentional time of reflection. We may think about things we can do better. We may consider where we went wrong in some areas. We may focus on how to improve in the different parts of our lives. Reflection is great. However, have you ever considered what you did right? Have you reflected on what your successes were this past year (no matter how small or great)?
As we embrace the New Year, and it being our year of the “Fresh Start” let’s keep in mind those things that worked in our favor this past year. I urge you to lock them in your mind as you continue reading on. God spoke in Isaiah 43:19 saying, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” That new thing (Fresh Start) is evident through our victories this past year. Unfortunately, because those victories took place in our wilderness (isolation) or desert (dry) places, we have completely overlooked them. So don’t be discouraged if you’re current existence may be in a wilderness or a desert…you still succeeded there. Your eyes of faith must open to the new things that God is doing right where you are. Your Fresh Start is now! So, consider writing down all of what worked well for you in 2017 (Habakkuk 2:2), and be intentional to implement those practices of success right where you are (Joshua 1:7,8). Do not wait for what you think is a better situation to start demonstrating acts of success.
If you choose to engage your Fresh Start with that frame of mind…then you’re guaranteed to experience some groundbreaking victories in 2018 and so on. In Christ’s strength you can do anything (Philippians 4:13).
Minister Cheryl Marion
Daughters of Destiny
The proud mother of three children and a tireless educator with a heart and vision for urban education, Cheryl Marion holds a Masters in Education from Arcadia University. Additionally, she has obtained a great portion of her biblical education from the Abundant Harvest Bible Institute at Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, NJ and continues her education there yearly.
Cheryl’s dependence on God’s Word through life’s challenges has blessed her to deliver timely, applicable and relatable messages to women from all walks of life. Her quest on earth is to provide support to women in pursuit of their God given destiny as they struggle through life’s ever present challenges. She endeavors to develop the Daughters of Destiny into a non-profit organization providing practical resources to women as they continue their education, seek housing and job training, and self-care.
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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