e are so excited about this new issue of “JournEzine”! With excellent articles by a variety of authors, we’re sure you will experience tears as well as laughter. But our goal, as always is, for each reader to be led into a time of self-examination while being challenged to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
We have so much to look forward to this new year. It truly is “the season of new beginnings” for each one of us. We pray this issue of “JournEzine” will give you some ideas of ways to begin your new year with renewed fervor and zeal in your service to the Lord. And, if you don’t know Him, our greatest prayer is that Jesus Christ will become real to you and grow in you this new year. God promised we would find Him if we seek Him with all our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13). If you’re seeking Him, we’ll be glad to help you find Him … hopefully in the pages of the January issue of “JournEzine”.
ALL THINGS NEW by Jan Ross
Jan’s sister-in-law, Wanda McCauley, passed from this life into eternal glory on December 21, 2007. Through this discussion of a commonly-quoted scripture (“Behold, I make all things new!”), Jan shares how Wanda’s “new” life compels us to consider the “new” opportunities given to each of us at the start of this new year.
SNOWFLAKE LAMENT by Donald Mehl
Don relates that although a snowfall can be a source of frustration as well as a subject for humor, we must also realize that it’s part of God’s magnificent creation serving a purpose according to His plan. You will enjoy this article and it's timeliness, especially if you live in the northern States where snow and snowplows are part of everyday life.
DID SOMEONE SAY “FRESH START”? by Jan Ross
Just what does a “fresh start” mean in terms of the new year? Jan shares a few tips for opportunities that demand at least some prayerful consideration.
WHO MADE THE FIRST NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? by James Snyder
Rev. Snyder’s good friend and mentor, the Reverend Frank Simmons, set him straight on this important issue. His early pastorate was close to Frank’s and they spent much time together. He learned so much from him, things they do not teach in college. Rev. Snyder shares this eye-opening revelation on the first New Year’s resolution.
RESOLUTION OR REVOLUTION by Alan Alegra
Alan discusses New Year’s resolutions, the importance of not entering into vows lightly, and how New Year’s resolutions can lead to revolution. This is a must-read at the beginning of this new year.
NEW BEGINNINGS IN HIS NAME by Jan Ross
Jan paints a beautifully poetic picture of new beginnings in Christ. To the sinner once lost and destitute, ready to give up on life, there is no greater new beginning than the one we find in Christ. Be careful to read and picture the power of Christ in the new Christian’s life as He stays the power of the enemy by His mighty arms. Such power can also be available in your life once surrendered to Jesus Christ.
NEW YEARS EVE by Tim Pickl
Tom doesn’t mince words but gets right to the point. New Years is time “to get cleaned up, prayed up, washed up to reach out to this world.”
HIM WHOM MY SOUL LOVETH by Jan Ross
A good devotional for the beginning of the New Year. Whom does YOUR soul love? What or whom is the object of your affection? Whom do you seek or chase after? Whom or what do you long for? These are valid questions that lead us to consider rethinking our goals, our affections, our longings, and our reason for life.
SEEING by Servantworks.com
With focus on Thailand, this story of thousands of women in Thailand trapped in a lifestyle of prostitution and illicit sex and drugs will cause you to stop and pray. Join us as we focus on Thailand this month in our missions’ emphasis articles.
CHICKEN SATAY by InternationalRecipiesOnline.com
Satay, of course, is originally an Indonesian/Malay dish, but it has been in Southern Thailand for a very long time. This recipe is a Thai version. We encourage you to share an international recipe with your family at least once a month while taking the time to talk with them about life outside these United States. Enjoy!
GLORIFYING AND EDIFYING THE BODY by Jeanice McDade, Senior Editor
Jeanice’s conversation with a close friend leads us all to consider the purpose of the Body of Christ as we are called to relate to one another in unity of the faith. We’ve all been given specific gifts which, when used with the proper heart motive, will bring healing and peace and restoration to the lives of others. Jeanice shares her experience in a beautiful way as her heart, filled with zeal for the Body of Christ, is revealed through her experience.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this month’s issue of “JournEzine”, an outreach of Heart of God International Ministries, Inc.
We encourage you to submit articles for future issues; submission guidelines and topics for future issues are found under the “Submissions” tab at the top of the page. We’d love to include your thoughts, experiences, and testimonies as we continue our “Journey” through this life as “one” in the Lord Jesus Christ.
God bless you this New Year! May 2008 be filled with the blessings of God in every way … spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally, and every way!
Jeanice McDade & Jan Ross
Heart of God International Ministries