Dear friends in Christ,

     Well, the holidays are over, right?
     The gifts are unwrapped.  The leftovers are gone.  The stores are full of people returning "those perfect gifts" - you know, the ones you thought they needed.
     Now it's that time of year to make New Years Resolutions!  And right after that, it's time to break 'em!  After all, resolutions - like promises - are meant to be broken, right?
     I remember the first time I heard that phrase as a little kid.  I thought, "Now that's silly.  Who would make a promise only to go and break it!?"  But guess what - that's just what we learn in our culture today.  We see that promises have no value.  We see that resolving to do something or promising to do something are just empty words.  And children learn by their elders' examples.
     But is it right?  As Christians, are we setting a better example?  Or are we just "buying in" to the mainstream around us?  When we make a promise - or give our word - are we faithful to follow through, regardless of cost?
     What promises have you made to yourself (we call these resolutions)?  What promises have you made to others?  Then follow through.  Promises should never be empty - without consideration of fulfilling them.  And they shouldn't be made in haste!  They should only be made after thoughtfully, prayerfully.  Really.
     I've made a New Years Resolution.  And I will see it through.  Philippians 4:13 (a very familiar verse):  I can do anything, through Him who strengthens me.  As Christians we have a strength that no others have.  We can be given a peace and resolve that sees us through living up to our promises.
     So don't let that relationship dissolve.  Don't let that promise to your kids or grandkids go, hoping they'll forget.  Don't give up on your New Years Resolutions.  Don't give in!
     We can do it!  We can make 2003 a year of integrity.  We can grow in our faith - by living out what we believe.  We can keep our promises.
     Isn't it wonderful that God never goes back on His word?  Isn't it incredible that - no matter what we do - God's promise to love us and be with us is still ongoing?
     By understanding one another, we can grow into the faithful followers Jesus Christ needs us to be.  Let's use this new year to deepen our relationships - with God and with one another.  Let's reclaim that honesty and integrity that comes with discipleship! 

Wishing you a good year,

Pastor Jon West