The beginning of a new year offers us the opportunity to resolve to do some things we have not yet done or have stopped doing, that we know would be good for us or that we ought to do. One of the devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries during the month of December featured this story.

 In the 1890s, the family of a boy moved into a New York tenement. In the normal scheme of things, such a move would mean the lad would spend a great deal of time making friends and trying to fit in.

 But this boy was hardly like the rest. He was big; he was strong, and he was a bully. Even worse, he hardly cared for making, having or holding friends. Instead, he preferred that those around would fear him rather than befriend him.

 After he had managed to give a thorough thrashing to one of the neighborhood kids and a black eye to another, the rest of the youngsters on the block thought it wisest to give the bully a wide berth. All except one ... a very young, very little boy.

 Seeing this lack of fear, the bully sought out the younger fellow and snarled the question: "What's da matter wit you? Why ain't you afraid of me?" It didn't take but a second for the younger lad to reply: "Course I ain't afraid of you. My big brudder's the boxin' champeen. If you touch me, he'll knock your block off."

 I like that story. I like it because it's our story as well. Jesus is our brother. He is with us always. No matter what challenges come our way, nothing can defeat our faith and our eternal home guaranteed by Jesus.

 God’s promise to us from Deuteronomy 31:6 is this: Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

 Certainly, we all have fears about one thing or another. It may be storms or spiders, cancer or dogs, losing your job, a place to live, food to eat, or something else. Yet, even these cannot take away the blessings and love offered by our God.

 During this new year 2012, may we live each day giving glory to God. Be strong and courageous, even before those who disagree. Our God is faithful to all of His promises, He is with us, to bless us, and use us as His witnesses. May we who know, go and tell, the good news of the Savior Jesus.

  Pastor Sollie