New Year, 2013

(Recipe: Tomato Tortellini Soup)

We’re standing on the brink of another New Year. Where has this old year gone? Think of all that has happened in your life during the past twelve months. Some of those things were good and exciting. Others brought sorrow and pain. But all saw the mighty hand of God working on your behalf, whether it felt like it or not.

As you plan for this New Year, what is the one thing you wish for? Happiness? Peace? Joy? Contentment? Love?

I can guarantee you will have all of these this coming year. How? Because God has promised them all to you, perhaps not in the way you are thinking, however.

Let me share directly from the mouth of God his thoughts toward us regarding each of these desires.

Is your New Year’s wish for happiness? Here is how to assure you will receive it. Psalm 86:4 – “Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.” We tend to look for happiness from what the world has to offer. When Jesus becomes a part of my life, real happiness begins.

Are you wishing for peace? Peace, “a state of tranquility or quiet”. In our world today we do not find peace. We find lots of turmoil. We find lots of heartache. We find lots of selfishness. Where do we find peace that fulfills? Quiet? John 16:33 says, “I (Jesus) have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” There is peace to be found in the arms of Jesus.

Everyone wants a life filled with joy. We want a successful life, because we think this will bring us joy. The perfect job will bring us joy. We look throughout the world to find this kind of joy and all along, God has the answer for us. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, “After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.” Find Jesus for Jesus brings us joy!

All of us want to experience contentment. When things don’t go as expected and life takes a turn, we long to be contented in that situation. However, contentment is usually not the first emotion we experience. For me, the first thing I do is more likely complain. If anyone knew what it meant to be contented it was the Apostle Paul, who experienced more adversity than any one man should have to. Yet he was able to write in Philippians 4:11, 13 – “…for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have…..For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Contentment is learned through difficulties and trials, because we come to realize that God ALWAYS gives us the strength to persevere. With God I can be satisfied.

Finally, everyone wants to be loved. We go to all kinds of measures to experience it. Some of those experiences are morally good; others are not. As my mother used to say, “people go looking for love in all the wrong places.” This is what the world tends to do. Look in all the wrong places. True love is found in only one place – Calvary. John 3:16-17 says, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” No one has ever loved us like God loves us. Jeremiah 31:3 says, “…I have loved you with an everlasting love……” Do you know how long that is? Indefinitely! God has always loved you. He loves you like no one else ever will. If love is what you are looking for this year, God holds the answer. He loves you, why not love him in return?

So whether you are hoping for a 2013 year filled with happiness, peace, contentment, joy or love – you can find it all in Jesus.

Tomato Tortellini Soup

1 9 oz. package refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 10-oz cans reduced sodium condensed tomato soup, undiluted
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups 2% milk
2 cups half-and-half cream
½ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried basil
½ tsp. salt
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook tortellini according to directions. In large pan combine soup, broth, milk, cream, tomatoes and seasonings. Heat through, stir frequently. Drain tortellini; carefully add to soup. Stir in cheese. Top with additional cheese, if desired. Serves 10.