As we enter the last month of 2006, perhaps you have reflected on this past year. How did 12 months go by so fast! You may have also considered the prospect of the New Year of 2007 ahead. What will the future hold for each of us in this New Year?
And can you believe that we are already this far along in the 21st century? It is so exciting to be alive today - to see all the amazing advances in technology during this high-tech period on the timeline.

And speaking of timelines, consider the fact that every person also has an individual timeline that may have at least four significant dates: birth, baptism, marriage, and death. Jesus describes Christian baptism as the new birth by water and the Spirit (John 3:5). Arising from baptism (the new birth) as a new Christian, each person is a new creation where the old things have passed away and have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). As a new creation, each Christian has entered a new life in "the land of beginning again."

Have you ever wished that you could start over? Have you ever begun something worthwhile, only to see it marred by failures and mistakes that you wish you had never made? The place you can begin again and start fresh, with your past sins forgiven, is in the Lord's body, the church.

Why not decide to become a Christian during this month of December? You'll be ready to start off this New Year as a Christian. 15 people have already been baptized here at LaVergne this year. As a Christian, you can enjoy the abundant life that Jesus promises (Jn. 10:10) in "the land of beginning again."

For the child of God who has fallen, you also can begin again in faithful service by being restored through repentance, confession, and prayer (Jas. 5:16). As this old year closes, reflect on your past life and decide now to make things right with God, your family, and your church family. By living faithfully (Rev. 2:10), you'll be blessed both now and in eternity.

What will the future hold in the year 2007? The only thing certain about the future is that it is uncertain. Abraham Lincoln said, "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." Jesus said, "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:27, 33-34, NKJV). Clearly, Jesus expects us to live our lives in day-tight compartments or to live life "one day at a time."

I hope you will consider your individual timeline? Are you old enough to be accountable to God? Have you been baptized as a penitent believer? If you later fell away, were you ever restored to faithfulness? Why not close out this year by making sure of your soul's salvation? "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:10-11).

In faith and obedience, start living in "the land of beginning again."