As we journey from one year to the next, I can’t help but find myself reflecting on the different things which have happened during the past 12 months, not only in my own life but also in our Church. 2014 was a busy year which brought exciting opportunities our way in our work for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. There were also times which weren’t so happy with loved ones being taken from us, there were times of celebration when we rejoiced with families on the births of children. All in all, I get the sense that we as a church family are growing closer and closer together in our Christian walk.
At the beginning of 2015, I find myself thinking a lot about the first verse of hymn 372 in our church hymnal:
“Through all the changing scenes of life,
in trouble and in joy,
the praises of my God shall still
my heart and tongue employ.”
This verse reminds us that we should praise God in all things and at all times. When times are good and when times are hard, we should always praise God.
When I was training for ordination, I was encouraged to set a motto not only for my ministry, but for my whole life and set scripture with which I would strive to live by. At the start of this New Year, I am going to try and apply this more than ever before, and I invite you to join me. The motto is “in Jesus, through Jesus, for Jesus”. Everything that I strive to do, every decision that is made, every thought I have, needs to take place in the name of Jesus, through Jesus because I cannot do it in my own strength, and for Jesus for the building of His Kingdom. All in all, would you join me in trying to become more ‘Christ Centred’? Perhaps this might seem like an impossible task. The verses which I use to try and apply this motto are “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5+6).
So New Beginnings … seek the will of God in everything that we do, looking for His directing and guiding, and do nothing without having first invited Him to be a part of it. Will you join me in committing to do this every day of this year?
At the beginning of 2015, I find myself thinking a lot about the first verse of hymn 372 in our church hymnal:
“Through all the changing scenes of life,
in trouble and in joy,
the praises of my God shall still
my heart and tongue employ.”
This verse reminds us that we should praise God in all things and at all times. When times are good and when times are hard, we should always praise God.
When I was training for ordination, I was encouraged to set a motto not only for my ministry, but for my whole life and set scripture with which I would strive to live by. At the start of this New Year, I am going to try and apply this more than ever before, and I invite you to join me. The motto is “in Jesus, through Jesus, for Jesus”. Everything that I strive to do, every decision that is made, every thought I have, needs to take place in the name of Jesus, through Jesus because I cannot do it in my own strength, and for Jesus for the building of His Kingdom. All in all, would you join me in trying to become more ‘Christ Centred’? Perhaps this might seem like an impossible task. The verses which I use to try and apply this motto are “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5+6).
So New Beginnings … seek the will of God in everything that we do, looking for His directing and guiding, and do nothing without having first invited Him to be a part of it. Will you join me in committing to do this every day of this year?
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