As we walk through the door of yet another New Year, the future greets us with a tenacious grin of uncertainty not committing herself to the best of times and hinting at perhaps an uneasy breath of ill winds on the horizon.
And yet...
We can take a breath.
A deep, renewing and refreshing breath knowing that the very air we breathe as Christians is one created and given by The Great Creator. The very one who has ordered our steps and ordained our purpose.
But, as we look towards a new year and the possibility of uncertain times the question becomes “What does God need me to do?”
In simplest form, we follow the voice of Jesus above all others.
Simple however, doesn’t always relate to easy. As we look towards this new year, how do we go about putting the voice of The Lord first and keep His Ways as our ways above potential chaos?
Hebrews 10 reveals that Jesus is the best of us. He is the embodiment of God wrapped inside the flesh of man providing the example that even though he bore the “thorn of flesh” the God inside of His flesh allowed Him to live a sin-less life. It’s this image that teaches us that with God inside us we can successfully navigate the sins of this world. Therefore, He is the perfect picture of HOPE.
If we look to His example for what hope is then our first step in walking out our vision for this year is to above all else, Hold Out Hope. “We should, without wavering, hold fast the confession of (the) hope, for the One Who promised is faithful. (Heb 10:23)”
No matter what may come in our life whether it be good or bad, love or heartache, life or death, blessings or calamity, Jesus is with us every step of the way. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His Word is always true and never wavering so lean on Him and hold steadfast to His Hope.
The next step, Make An Impact. “We should consider one another in provoking by love and good deeds...(Heb 10:24)”. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ, He fills us with love, peace, joy and knowledge of His Word, but He doesn’t expect us to keep that good news a secret. We should live our faith and love for him “outloud” becoming living examples of who Jesus is and thereby making an impact in our circle of influence as well as our community.
Third, Live Responsibly. Too often we as a people give in to the sin of self-gratification. It’s easy to do when our society has capitalized on products and lifestyles that feed this need. However, the more we feed this indulgence the more we become enslaved. In turn, self-gratification is set up as an idol in our life becoming the itch we scratch before all else. As children of God, we are called to “have no other gods before Him. (Ex 20: 3)” Sometimes it takes sacrifice on our part to live out the life God has called us to live and one way we can accomplish this is to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves... (Heb 10:25)”. Let us gather as often (and especially on Sundays) for the encouragement of one another and the building up of His people in love and community.
As Pastor Wayne said on Sunday (in love), “If you can’t be found in church than neither can you be found in God’s Will.”
Lastly, as we look toward this new year, Keep Looking Up. We don’t know what 2024 has in store for us. Despite the many predictions and indicators, the future is a mystery held in the palm of God’s hands. But as “...The Day (of our Lord) draws near. (Heb 10:25)” stay focused on your walk with Him. Keep your ears, eyes and heart open to the voice and leading of the Holy Spirit, encourage those around you and Keep Looking Up!
As we move through this New Year, we will visit this vision statement often. Additionally, Pastor Wayne will focus on one point per quarter in succession. As you go through your week, ponder the words of Hebrews 10, knowing Jesus is the best of us. He is our strength, hope and light for the future.
Make a commitment this year to rise up strong as a member of Christ First Church and let’s see God impact our community....together.
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