A NEWBORN YEAR

If we’re willing, this newborn year can be better than its predecessor. For the new year challenges us to dream, to dare, to do, and to attain. Whatever hasn’t been tried beckons with allure, and past accomplishments demand more advancements. Our frontiers extend beyond imposed limitations, and our task is broader than self-glorification. Such a new year begins with being a new person: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). No matter the scars that disfigure, or the bruises that disable, God can bring beauty and strength out of ugly situations. Not just once a year, but every single day. Happy New Year!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim

LEMON JUICE OR LEMONADE?

Life can at times be very hard, full of pain, unfairness, and hurt. But of what use are folks who relax in pools of self-pity, who’re adorned in robes of long faces, and who dance to the rhythms of criticisms, complaints, and blame? Or Christians who seem to be baptized in lemon juice, equating gloominess with spirituality, gossip with gospel, and hyper-neurotic anxiety with sensitivity? And what good are those who take themselves too seriously, have no sense of humor, and cannot laugh at the funny side of life—including even life’s tragedies?  Here’s some lemonade to a sickening, bone-dry existence: “A merry heart does good, like medicine. But a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22; cf. 15:13).—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim

BE THE BEE

The Bird asked the Honeybee: “You work so hard to make honey and humans just take it away. Doesn't it bother you?" The Bee replied: “No, not at all! They take my honey, but can’t take away my art of making it.” Do you get discouraged or lose motivation when your efforts not recognized, rewarded, or others take credit for your work? As long as you’re alive, your honey jar can always be filled.  For no one can take away our ability to produce, and God will ensure that our jars never run dry. Don't cease from diligent and sacrificial labor: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23, 24). Cheer up! Be the Bee!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim

HASTY JUDGMENTS

It was a costly mistake: The trusting parents went for a brief walk, leaving their new baby in the care of their watchful pet dog. They returned to find the baby’s crib upside-down and empty, its blanket in scattered bloody shreds. The family's pet—a previously tame and loyal pit-bull—innocently wagged its tail in welcome, unaware of the bloody evidence on its mouth and paws. Betrayed and outraged, the husband shot the dog dead. Soon after, in one dark corner of the room, he found their baby—alive, well, and without a scratch! And in another corner lay a dead wolf, its face pointing to the shattered glass window. CAUTION: Never rush to judgment! “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24).—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim

STAY WITH THE BALL

There’s a saying in Ghanaian football: “The one with the ball is the one that’s attacked.” If you’re productively engaged in a worthy cause, prepare to be opposed and tripped. Adversaries will criticize, vilify, and try to pull down. But be undeterred. Even if you fumble, & are jeered & taunted, get up and keep moving! Remain focused on THE GOAL. Through our trials, struggles, & failures, Satan seeks our downfall & ruin. But through Christ, God always strengthens & renews. “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9). Attacked? Stay with the ball & you’ll triumph!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim