A True Story To Begin the New Year

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way . . .” (John 14:6).

One day, years ago, Rev. Albert Christian was driving down the Farm and Market road outside the little town of Canadian, Texas. Recognizing the fellow on the side of the road with his thumb stuck out, Bro. Christian pulled over, rolled down his window, and asked, “Charles, which way are you going?” To which the hitchhiker replied, “Oh, Rev. Christian! I’m goin’ jes’ any ol’ which-a-way!”

Here are some things to think about: Do you have your heart fixed on heaven? Are you planning on taking this year’s journey with Jesus? Have you thought about the consequences of ‘goin’ jes’ any ol’ which-a-way’? Have you, indeed, made up your mind to follow Jesus? The old gospel song says it so well:

I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, No turning back.

This next verse speaks to the issue of How Shall We Be Victorious.

The cross before me, the world behind me. The cross before me, the world behind me. The cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back, No turning back.

Hitchhikers do put themselves at the mercy of those who pick them up. Have you considered the dangerous consequences of allowing someone else to control your destiny? Someone who perhaps is not under the influence of the same Spirit as you”? Ask yourself these questions, and remember Jesus said, “I Am The Way!”

I urge you to begin the New Year with Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and ending, the first and last. Right now, at the beginning of this NEW YEAR, my friend, decide which way you are going. Put Him first in your life! Make Jesus your first thought, not an after-thought. START THE NEW YEAR WITH GOD . . . FIRST!

The songwriter’s next verse catches the expression of a determined soul who has a ‘made up mind.’

Thou none go with me, still I will follow. Thou none go with me, still I will follow. Thou none go with me, still I will follow. No turning back, No turning back.

Nothing has changed for any of us in our great need of His favor and wisdom. Certainly, we all need Him all the time. However, you can make all the difference in your journey for the rest of your life if you start right now. Begin by humbling yourself in prayer and asking Jesus to help you today―right now.

Francis Mason Pastor Mason