New School Year. New Beginning.

How many are excited to go to school this week?  How many wish you could have a few more weeks off?  I felt both ways when I was young.  I remember the first day of school.  I was excited to see my friends again.  I was excited to start new.  New beginning. I remember one year around the Middle School days wanting to look like Don Johnson and thinking that that was going to be the key to kind of fitting in.  I remember getting to school and thinking I must’ve missed the memo.  “No one else looks like this.”  Awkward!

Speaking of awkward, I remember I would want to do some extra stuff like speak up in class, try to make new friends, volunteer to participate,  football, wrestling, and baseball.  I would have in my mind how cool it was is going to be and then I would get there and I get nervous and it would be hard.  But a lot of people around me encouraged me not to give up and I believe the Lord used those people to help me grow into who I am today.

I remember some of the moments were so much fun and I felt like I was doing the right thing in the right place and other times I felt like I was alone and that nobody liked me.  There would be times when the playground or cafeteria/hall time was amazing.. It was all good and other times it was like I had no one to play with or I had no one to hang out with.  There would be times when I would feel like an outcast and all alone.

No matter what happens to you all, we here at Louisville Christian want you to know you are supported and that you have family that cares about you. We understand. We also know your future is bright.  We will celebrate the victories you experience which will be numerous and we will also be here for you when you feel lost or alone.  

Keep in mind, as you start your new year, that you are created in Christ Jesus to do good works and that you don’t have to be like everyone else. You are saved, and Christ is going to make you new.  He is transforming you which will make you a leader for those around you.  You are called to be different.  You are called to be a light, an example, and encouragement to all around you. Your future is bright no matter where you have been or where you are right now.

The songs we sang this morning before this moment are perfect for representing your journey in Christ during this time of remembrance. You see, we take communion because just like starting new in school, we get to start new when we are in Christ.

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

Father- You are good, You are love, You are light, You are hope, You are peace, You are joy and You are life.”   Thank you for Jesus.   Thank you for making us new so that, we are not only saved, but we can run and sprint out of the grave.  You are transforming us.  You are helping us be over comers and leaders.  Work in us.  Help us do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.