What will this Year Bring?

09Jan09

As we move into the New Year,  you  may have found yourself thinking about last year and what you could have done differently, asking yourself questions about what worked, what didn’t, or what’s next?   As you evaluate the previous year, and what’s ahead, you know there will be changes, new opportunities and even uncertainties.  You may intentionally be setting new goals or re-thinking how you do things. 

 

Whatever this year brings, let us be reminded of the fact that God is walking alongside of us, remembering that His grace is sufficient for us.  Romans  8:28  tells us that we know God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

 

When we celebrate Communion, it is a holy time of worship set aside to corporately come together as one body to remember and celebrate what Christ did for us.  

 

And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,

 ”This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 

 1 Corinthians 11:24

 

When you prepare for communion, take some time to examine yourself as we are told to:

 

A man ought to examine himself

before he eats of the bread

 and drinks of the cup. 

1 Corinthians 11:28

 

Pray and ask God to help you to confess your sins and lay them at the cross.  In the psalms, David cries out: 

 

 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. 

Psalm 139:23-24

Because of what Christ did for us – by paying the penalty for our sins at Calvary,  and because of His great love, we are called to humble ourselves having grateful hearts  showing the same kind of love and compassion toward others.  We are told to walk as children of the light, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.  And so whatever this year brings, according to Ephesians 6:10-11, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might putting on the full armor of God so that we may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 

Paul tells us again in Ephesians 6:18 “with all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and be on alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”  And in Philippians 4:6-8 “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, LET YOUR MIND DWELL ON THESE THINGS!”

Blessings to You in this New Year!  Pastor Eric

 

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