As we all look back on 2010, and look forward to 2011, there is a lot to digest, and a lot to look to the future about. So many things have happened that I couldn’t possibly list them here; and the personal experiences of each of us have impact as well.

Through it all, there has been what seems like a constant stream (at least from my point of view) a lot of fear and uncertainty regarding things like the economy, the war on terror and of course the direction our country is taking.

These things are definitely important, and concern over them is warranted without a doubt; yet this New Year, I would like to try something new, and I would ask everyone to who is willing to try it along with me.

The scripture I would like to share with you now is from Daniel 6:7-22: 

“All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”

This story of Daniel shows that, even when certain people and events seem to work against us or be hopeless, we should not stop praising and thanking God for the good that He does in our lives.

This New Year, I would like to make a Resolution that I actually will intend to keep! I will purpose my heart, mind and spirit to thank God for the good He has done and is doing in my life and in the lives of my family and friends, and I will pray for those who try to hurt me, as our Lord commands.

This is another way we can stay connected to our Vine, by keeping our minds on Him and thanking Him instead of being fearful of things that He has control over. Ultimately He will shut the mouths of the lions attacking us, just as He did for Daniel. All we have to do is trust in His divine power, plan, and wisdom; and His love for us.

I pray that you have a New year filled with the joy, peace and prosperity of the Lord, and that we all come to know Him better, and connect with Him more.

Special Message to our troops: I can’t imagine what it is like for you, but God does know. Trust in His strength and He will see you through. Thank you for your service and I pray and thank Him for your success and safe return!