Blessings Everyone!
Early Christians believed that the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting upon the failures of the past year, and resolving to correct them in the new year. Popular contemporary resolutions tend to involve things like quitting smoking, losing weight, or paying debts.
There is a song called “I Am Resolved.” We should consider some of its practical suggestions for a new resolution, and then pray for the grace to weave it into the fabric of our lives…
I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight.
I am resolved to go to the Savior, leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One, He hath the words of life.
I am resolved to follow the Savior, faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth, He is the living Way.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom, leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me, still will I enter in.
I am resolved, and who will go with me? Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit, we’ll walk the heav’nly way.
Let us focus on prayer and staying focused to the vision given to the church in Acts 2: 42-47:
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Emory Church has and always will be a beacon of light to our community and far beyond in sharing the truth of the Gospel. That is the Great Commission:
19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20.
I’m excited about the future! Together we will continue to grow in the Lord and follow Him in all that we do.
In Christ!
Pastor Steve