We are now one week into the new year. How well have you done with your New Year's resolutions? So far, so good?

Or have guilty feelings crept in because some promises fell by the wayside?

If I may boast, I have stuck to each and every one of mine. That's because I did not make any New Year's resolutions; therefore, I have none to keep.

It is easy to stick to something you haven’t promised to do.

If you didn’t promise to lose the 10 pounds gained over the holidays, there's no guilt when it doesn’t happen — and only joy if it does.

If you didn't promise to exercise every morning, there's no guilt when you roll out of bed, read the paper and head to the day's events — but it's great if you take the stairs or find other ways to be more active.

Promises not made cannot be broken. But a life without goals or aims can become rather boring and stagnant. The human mind and body need something new for which to strive. Without such a thing, one, or both, will cease to work properly.

The same is true with our faith. Christians have promised to make Jesus Christ the center of our lives. Sometimes, that is just plain hard to remember — especially when difficulties and challenges rear their ugly heads. When we realize we have neglected Him, guilt can come flooding in.

But remember this: Christians are imperfect, but we are forgiven. God knows we will fail Him periodically. God knows we may break our promises to Him once in a while. It happens to the best of us.

And yet, God forgives our failings. He graciously lets us fail on our own so we learn to rely on Him more fully. He lets us learn from our mistakes.

As He does, we grow stronger in our faith.

Sounds like a contradiction, doesn’t it? Failure brings strength. The truth is, it does.

So if you have not kept your New Year's resolutions, that’s OK. Don’t give up on them. Start over. Learn from what caused you to not keep them and don’t repeat the pattern.

If you've broken a promise you made to God, ask God’s forgiveness, learn what caused you to break those promises, pick up the pieces, start again and do your best to not repeat the harmful pattern.

God understands, and continues to walk beside you every step of the way.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Failing allows us to grow stronger in our faith

With the new year comes a sense of new beginnings. Resolutions, new plans and expectations are laid out to help better one's sense of well-being.

The future looks bright with unlimited possibilities.

Another aspect that is afforded at the opening of a new year is the old year has come to an end. The prospect of leaving behind the unpleasant, harmful and hurtful events of the previous year provides a sense of relief.

There have been several occasions when, with the stroke of midnight, a sense of relief flooded over me, knowing the previous year had come to an end, and I could let go of the ugly events that had occurred.

A new year.

Letting go of the past.

A fresh start.

New opportunities.

But why do we wait until the new year for these things to take place? Every day is a new beginning. Yesterday is past and today awaits with untold possibilities.

When each new day is viewed as a new beginning, the hurts, pains and uncertainties of yesterday can be let go. Anticipation for the new day can swell to great expectations.

Remember what the scriptures say about forgiveness: Forgive not seven times, but 70 times seven.

Remember what the scriptures say about worrying: do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.

A new year is here with new possibilities, yes. But remember to start each day given to you by God while being very much aware of the new possibilities the day promises.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: A new year brings a fresh start

It comes around every year, although when it actually starts may vary. Does it really make a difference? Some say, "Absolutely!" Others say, "It’s just really annoying!"

I’m referring to the ubiquitous advertising blitz for getting you to spend your hard earned money on Christmas gifts. Oops, excuse me… "holiday gifts" in order to be politically correct.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday — each offer great deals to get us to spend. The pressure is on. As of right now, there are only a few shopping days left. Are you in a panic? (I’m trying to not be, myself.)

While doing some shopping recently, I saw a large mug. There was a message printed on the mug which, when I first read it, U thought was a bit trite. But then the full meaning of it dawned on me. The mug said, "Next year I’m going to think about what Christmas means to God."

What does Christmas mean to God? Here is something to ponder: Christmas, for God, demonstrates that at a particular time and place, God came to be with us himself. When Quirinius was governor of Syria, in a town called Bethlehem, a child was born. That child was God himself. The one who inhabits eternity came to dwell in time. The one whom people learned to fear came to demonstrate great love and forgiveness. The God of all mercies came so that we could experience his divine mercy and receive life.

Let me encourage you to ask yourself a question, "When Christmas this year has come and gone, what difference will your hectic pace have made? Was all the anxiety, rushing around, exhaustion worth it?"

Then ask yourself: "Is this what God intended when he came to this earth in the baby Jesus?"

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Hype, hyperbole, and Jesus

Christmas is visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads; lots of parties; an annual season of goodwill; numerous trips to the mall; and pulling out hair because of myriad things to do.

Well, for many people it is.

However, Christmas is much more than that. It is when we remember one of the greatest miracles ever performed. God saw his children's plight. He saw their suffering. He saw how lost they were. He saw how they were so steeped in sin they would never get out alone.

So this universe's creator came to Earth himself, in person. Stop to think about it.

God was born into this world just like one of us. He went through the childhood rites of passage just like one of us. He taught us, lived among us and demonstrated his deep love for us.

That is the miracle of Christmas.

I challenge you to think about the magnitude of what God did 2,000-plus years ago. I am sure when you garner the act's full importance, you will be swept away in wonder.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Consider the true meaning of Christmas

On Oct. 3, 1789, President George Washington made the following proclamation and created the United States' first official Thanksgiving Day.

“… It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor …" he said.

Seventy-two years later, Abraham Lincoln permanently established the last Thursday of November for annually giving thanks to God.

 “In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity … peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict …" he said.

“It has seemed to me fit and proper that (the blessings all have received) should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people … "

Washington wanted the nation to give thanks to God at the end of national strife. Lincoln wanted the nation to give thanks to God amid national strife. 

Remember this: Whether at the beginning, middle or end of a difficult time, be thankful for what you have.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Give thanks in all circumstances, good or bad

Several atheist assemblies are springing up around the world, which troubles me.

Of course, as an unshakable believer, I cannot comprehend atheism and what it's like to think there is nothing beyond this life. Hopelessness and loneliness must permeate someone who believes this world — with its rampant selfishness and greed, violence and hatred, arrogance and haughtiness — is all there is.

Atheists must see imperfect Christians' sins and declare, “If that is what Christianity is about, I want no part of it.” Or they prayed for something — like healing for a loved one — but didn’t receive the desired answer. As a result, they conclude there is no God.

But while science and reason can't prove God’s existence, and we can easily dismiss what we don't understand, that doesn't make God less real.

I hope those who attend these atheist gatherings will find what they seek. But they will not find the kind of fulfillment for which they truly long.

Not until they realize they seek God.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Atheists' search for fulfillment will be fruitless

You've probably heard the phrase, “Many a truth is told in jest,” or some version of it. Geoffrey Chaucer included this sentiment in "The Cook's Tale," written in 1390.

Sometimes, we see the truth in stories and jokes.

Paul M. Miller compiled and edited a collection of church jokes for "The World’s Greatest Collection of Church Jokes" (Barbour Publishing, 2003).

In it, there is a story about Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, who have different priorities during church.

After the service, Mrs. Peterson asks her husband, “Do you think that Johnson girl is coloring her hair?”

“I didn’t even see her,” Mr. Peterson says.

“And the dress Martha Hansen was wearing,” Mrs. Peterson says. "Really, don’t tell me you think that’s the proper outfit for a mother of two.”

 “I’m afraid I didn’t notice that, either,” Mr. Peterson says.

 “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Mrs. Peterson snaps. “A lot of good it does for you to go to church.”

Many a truth is told in jest. Do you know someone like Mrs. Peterson? Are you like her, paying attention to the wrong things during worship?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Are you like Mrs. Peterson or Mr. Peterson?

Hunger and thirst are our two basic survival needs. However, we must hunger and thirst for righteousness to be truly happy.

We must lean on God for righteousness because we have no righteousness of our own (Romans 3:10-12).

Jesus died for our sins. He died so you can be forgiven and go to Heaven if you trust him as your savior. He also died so God could declare you righteous, or right with him (2 Corinthians 5:21.)

When our sins are dealt with, we can be made right with God. God declares us righteous when we place our faith in that shed blood of Christ.

 Because Christ died, was buried and has risen from the dead, all I must do for righteousness is to lean on Him by faith.  

 Have you leaned on God by putting your faith in Christ for righteousness?

The Rev. Albert Corey is Oak Ridge Assembly of God's pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Become one of the ‘happy hungry’

In Matthew 5:3, Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Someone who is poor in spirit answers to God. However, pride causes us to fail in this submission. Pride makes us think we are so important, and we worry about what others think of us.

We become poor in spirit by comparing ourselves only to Jesus (James 4:10); surrendering our "rights" to God (Romans 12:1); living to please God (Deuteronomy 10:20); and looking to him to fulfill every need (Psalm 123:2).

In 2 Samuel 7:18, King David cries out to God, ‘Just who am I that You would bring me this far?’

In Luke 5:8-10, Jesus’ presence overwhelms Peter, who cries, "Depart from me; I am a sinful man."

The great men of the Bible recognized their inability, but then allowed God to work through them.

Will you do the same?

The Rev. Albert Corey is Oak Ridge Assembly of God's pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Are you willing to be poor in spirit?

Practicing what we preach truly marks a changed life.

In Leviticus 11:44, God tells us that we must be holy for he is holy. God wants us to come up to where he is.

In Luke 18:10-14, a Pharisee stands in the temple ‘bragging’ to God about how great he is. He goes on and on about his good deeds and then says, "I sure am glad I am not like that tax collector over there in the corner."

The tax collector looks down and asks for God’s mercy. He knew he was unworthy.

Jesus asks, “Who did God hear and justify?”

The answer was the tax collector.

Salvation takes place when someone comes to Christ, admits his unrighteousness, helplessness and unworthiness, and turns to Christ as his or her only hope for forgiveness and a place in Heaven.

That's when we’re saved or justified.

The Rev. Albert Corey is Oak Ridge Assembly of God's pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Bible study, practice help us achieve righteousness