<div> A few months ago, I started a series on using the metaphor of pollution. It was in this article I talked about how the Michigan Flint Water catastrophe caused long-term damage that the damage will probably carry on through several generations. In the same way, I compared it to the damage or blessing our tongue could have and encouraged people using scripture in the book of James to use their tongues for good not evil. Now as 2023 closes maybe it is also time to put to bed some of those other things that cause pollution in our life and give to God 2024 for something amazing! Here are some things you might put on your todo list before 2023 closes so that a fresh start can be made in 2024. - Forgive the people in your life you have anger or bitterness with. They may indeed “deserve” your anger. But holding onto bitterness WILL ONLY HURT YOU. Forgiving them and giving the issue to a just but loving God, allows you to move forward. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> - Get rid of the sin that is causing pain in our lives and the lives of others around us. Only you know what that is… The Holy Spirit has probably already been working on your heart and you may be resisting. Hebrews 12 says. let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..” - This year may be the time to fix destructive patterns in your life… Romans 12:2 says - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (patterns of choosing bad relationships, poor life choices, feeding your mind with unholy things, etc. James: 1:21, says, “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. NIV) - Commit to your physical health. Like some of you, I struggle with this one. The Bible says we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Watching what we put in our body, and exercising will help keep us healthy for the work and blessings of our God, family and friends. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> - Ask forgiveness from God for the pollution in your life and ask Jesus to come into your life, fill you and change your life for the good. There is no better time than now to make a commitment that brings reconciliation with God. Several good pastors in the area can help you with this decision and questions. - Join a healthy church and build new quality relationships in 2024. NOW MOVING FORWARD. I believe Isaiah 43 can give us the same encouragement; it gave the hearers of that generation: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Philippians 3:13-14 says “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” ESV My prayer for our community for 2024 is that we embrace life in this coming season, leave behind petty jealousy and love each other like we have never loved before. Our time on this earth is short. Let’s make the most of it. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate></div>

Mountain View, CA

A few months ago, I started a series on using the metaphor of pollution. It was in this article I talked about how the Michigan Flint Water catastrophe caused long-term damage that the damage will probably carry on through several generations. In the same way, I compared it to the damage or blessing our tongue could have and encouraged people using scripture in the book of James to use their tongues for good not evil.
Now as 2023 closes maybe it is also time to put to bed some of those other things that cause pollution in our life and give...