Persecution Update India January 2010 Issue

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The wise man often named as King Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 1:10, “Is there anything of which we can say, “Look! This is something new”? Is the New Year really new? Physically the earth completes one more revolution around the sun, as it has for the past millions of years. All kinds of greetings and salutation will be heard until few weeks into January, maybe a little longer. New Year celebrations will take place in many places and in many ways. Yet while thousands shout “happy New Year”, they will wake up to the same old problems and pressures as before .There is no magical moment in the midnight that suddenly ushers in utopia or panacea for all the uncertainties. So, then, how can we have a happy new year?

The apostle Paul talks about a divine amnesia. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”. He talks about forgetting the old life, past failures, past sins and past victories. He is willing to forget the past that may hinder his life for Christ. He has a new goal.

Do we have a new goal since we became Christians? Let’s get into God's word and let His words get into us. Jesus left us a command to abide in Him so we may bear fruit. Let’s abide in Him by reading his word and living it – not merely hearers but doers of the word. We can listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as he reminds us of verses we have read and teaches us how to apply them in our daily tasks. Let’s enjoy the wonderful Book God has given to us to get to know Him better. The Word of God is living and powerful. Was the last year full of failures and broken promises? The Word of God has the power to transform lives (Rom 1:16). Do you need to know God’s will for your life? Let the Word of God renew your mind, transform you and then you be able to test and approve God’s perfect, pleasing and acceptable will. (Rom 12:2). Let the Word of Christ richly dwell in you (Col 3:16). The change will be continuous.

Yes, the old year has gone, the New Year is here! Let’s make the New Year count for God's glory and his blessings. You can have a happy New Year and happy and contented life in Christ.

The Message Bible translates Paul’s message in Philippians wonderfully, “I'm off and running and I'm not turning back.”

Yesterday,
I feared the unknown.
But His plans were so perfect
Beyond what I could expect
It was easy to say Goodbye
To the fears with no names

Today
I remember His great faithfulness.

This new year, let’s be off and running towards our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! May your 2010 be Christ-centered and filled with love, joy and peace. God bless you!

Dr. Sajan K George
National President
Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC)

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