HOW IS THIS YEAR GOING TO BE BETTER FOR YOU

Hopefully 2017 was a great year for you, but how can 2018 be even better.  I am committed to reading through the Bible chronologically this year.  Its been a while since I have done that and it is so beneficial to understand the time line of scripture.  Today as I began to read through Genesis 1-3, I was reminded that the first four words are so powerful.  IN THE BEGINNING GOD!  If a person can come to grips with that statement and accept it in faith, the rest of the Bible becomes easier to receive and becomes the explanation of your faith.
Yesterday in our worship service our guest preacher shared a message from John 8 called NEW YEARS - SECOND CHANCES!!  It was all about the poor woman who was brought to Jesus after being caught in the very act of adultery. It was all a disgusting trap to set Jesus up.  I mean who watches to catch someone in the act of adultery.  Where was the man? Why wasn't he brought before Jesus?  He really didn't matter, for that matter neither did the woman.  It was all about forcing Jesus into a no win situation.  But Jesus suddenly and wisely changed the focus from a sinful woman to a sinful audience.  Everyone in the crowd that day needed GRACE.
I jotted down several things that jumped out at me from the teaching ...

1. Words are powerful.
2. We all need second chances.
3. Repentacne means being sorry enough to quit.  (Billy Graham quote)
4. Your biggest failure doesn't define your identity.
5. It's time to put down some rocks.
6. The best life is not good enough, the worst life is not too far gone!

WOW!  If we could just apply these principles 2018 is going to be amazing!