{"id":9417,"date":"2023-01-02T18:11:32","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T00:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abidingfathers.org\/?p=9417"},"modified":"2023-01-02T18:11:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-03T00:11:32","slug":"a-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/af2.musiimes.space\/index.php\/2023\/01\/02\/a-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"A NEW year!"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW<\/h3>\n

Ring out the old and ring in the NEW!\u00a0<\/em>We greet each other with\u00a0Happy NEW Year<\/em>. Everyone loves something new. A new start, new pair of shoes, a new job, you name it. In Christ, scripture teaches us that we are a new creation, a new creature.\u00a0\u201cThe old has passed away; behold the new has come.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>(2 Cor. 5.17) Since 2022 is behind us, we now look forward to 2023. And with it, I want to challenge you and me at the very beginning of this year. Something NEW!<\/p>\n

N<\/strong>\u2014Network
\nE<\/strong>\u2014Engage
\nW<\/strong>\u2014Witness<\/p>\n

Network<\/em><\/strong>-Review the network of people that are in your family, friends, or work associates, even service people that you regularly encounter. Discern if they are in need of your concentrated attention, especially if they are not walking with the Lord. My challenge is that you identify 10 people, put them on a card or something that you can keep with you or in your Bible during your quiet time. You may even want to add some as you\u2019re going through the year. If possible, jot down what you believe is their greatest need.<\/p>\n

Engage<\/em><\/strong>–<\/em>Now, make this a part of your regular prayer routine, even during the day as you meet them, meet with them or encounter them in some way. As you\u2019re engaging them physically, simply ask the Spirit to guide the conversation or whatever might be necessary. As you\u2019re engaging them in whatever way, make it all about them. Let them see your love, your concern, whatever is needed to effectively engage with them. There\u2019s an expression;\u00a0I don\u2019t care what you know, until I know you care.\u00a0<\/em>Since this relationship is bathed in prayer, the Spirit is going to guide you in a manner that will be most fruitful.<\/p>\n

Witness<\/em><\/strong>–<\/em>Since we know that we are simply the instruments of righteousness of Christ, we should be prepared to share scriptural help, to witness to them. His \u2018word\u2019 never returns void, but accomplishes its purpose. It most times is a lack of understanding of the gospel, or the lack of trust in Biblical truth. Since you have prayerfully engaged them and have shown undeniable love and interest in them, you have earned the right to witness to them by sharing your testimony or God\u2019s word, even the true gospel message. I have learned these questions that really don\u2019t seem to offend anyone.<\/p>\n

May I ask you a question?<\/p>\n