“May the favor of the Lord rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17.
Happy New Year! Yes, there is always something about a New Year that fills us with hope. Maybe it’s because we feel we’ve been given a chance to do it all again, but better. Perhaps it’s just the wonder of what will be, or a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to our Lord and grow in our faith. And, obedience is at the very heart of it. In Romans 1:5-6, the Apostle Paul talks about the obedience that comes from faith. “Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ” Romans 1:5-6. For we obey God only by faith in Him. Faith-less obedience is a fiction. With that in mind, let’s all ask ourselves, in what ways does God desire our obedience as the New Year begins? We know His Word promises that He has plans for us. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11. Can we place our trust in Him, so much so, that we are obedient to Him? For He says they are “plans to prosper [us] and not to harm [us]”. This coming new year my friends, seek His plans and follow them. Let Him establish the work of our hands, and we will have success; for His Word is Truth. It says, “… seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33. He will meet all of our needs for He knows what they are. If we make any resolutions this year, the first must be to trust Him, and the second must be to be obedient to Him. My friends, acknowledge that we are the body of Christ. Each of us has a place and a purpose, and if we don’t fulfill the purpose God has given us, the body will not function as it should. Each of us should ask ourselves, where we fit in the body. We must discover our place and pursue His purpose in this new year. As we pray today, ask the Lord to reveal to us how He wants us to be involved in His Kingdom. How does He want us to serve? Each of us has been uniquely positioned and fully equipped with spiritual gifts. Ask Him to reveal to us what they are and to show us how to use them. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” In this new year go forth and bring Glory to God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Amen and blessings extraordinary from the Lord who has received us by the blood of the New Covenant!
Numbers 6:24-26 KJVS
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: [25] The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: [26] The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
These are Father’s instruction and His idea for us.
Galatians 3:13-14 KJVS
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: [14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
He is faithful! We love you all!
Happy New Year! - Pastor Wayne Hughes