New Beginnings

As we all know, in this world there is a lot of wrongdoing and evil going on. On a big scale, the leaders misuse their power and influence, but also among the ordinary people, in the families, organizations and communities, a lot of slander, injustice and gossip among a lot of other wrongs and sins. By right we all would be subject to eternal punishment, but praise the almighty Lord that in his mercy he offers forgiveness and new beginnings, if we humbly turn to him in repentance. For example the Israelites by the time of the judges, once more they had begun to disobey the LORD by worshiping idols, so they came into distress by being attacked by enemies. But then the Israelites cried out to the LORD as can be read in Judges 10. They had to bear the consequences of their unfaithfulness for a while. But since they humbly returned to the Lord in repentance, so the Lord offered them forgiveness and new beginnings. And God still offers that today. Everyone from any background is invited to turn to the Lord in prayer. Also John prepared the people before the ministry of Jesus by the message of God offering forgiveness and new beginnings, as already predicted by Zechariah, the father of John.
Let's pray: Lord, we thank you for that wonderful good news, that you offer new beginnings. We humbly turn to you in repentance considering all the wrongdoing that we have been involved in and the evil we have contributed to. The Israelites by that time had to bear the consequences and so do we have to suffer at times from what we did wrong or from the wrongdoing of others. Yet ultimately you offer forgiveness of all sins, and you even offer eternal salvation. We put our trust in you. In your kingdom there will be no more evil, no more curse, no more bitterness at all, rather it will be the ultimate new beginning of pure justice, joy and peace. May you guide us throughout this life here on earth towards your heaven. May you in your grace prepare us and make us suitable, despite we do not deserve it. To you be praise and glory and honor forever. Amen.