Close Enough

The definition of preparation is: readiness; organization; arranged in advance; provide needs; make complete

Is God involved in your preparation for 2016? Or, do things just happen, and you respond to them?

Maybe your perception about “things” in life needs to change.

We are on the road of life, but we are not alone. By recognizing who is walking with us can change your whole perception and understanding about your situation. The question would be, “Are you close enough to hear?”

We listen with our heart, mind, soul, eyes, and ears. It is out of our intimacy with God that comes life, service, care, wisdom, and ministries. Jesus is willing to prepare you for what the year will bring. We need to spend time with Him. Who are you listening to?

May we spend more time getting closer to God through Jesus this year. Amen?

Resistance

In order to be better and be more positive this year let's remember there has to be change. The problem is that we are slow to keep resolutions that have a cost. Consider the following:

10 REASONS WHY WE RESIST CHANGE
1. People misunderstood why they must change.
2. People lack ownership in the changing process.
3. People don’t like to change their habit patterns.
4. People feel the new is not worth the price.
5. People resist when they are threatened with the loss of something valuable.
6. People are satisfied with the old.
7. People are just negative towards change.
8. People don’t respect the change agent.
9. Tradition: we have never done it that way before.
10. People have greater resistance when change comes as a surprise

A change for the better is a change that involves following Jesus better. Amen?

A Simple Resolution

This year, as God’s people, as His church, let’s make this one simple resolution - we’re going to make a change for the better.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

1. DEVELOP A POSITIVE OUTLOOK TOWARD LIFE Paul was positive about life because he realized that life is a very precious gift God has given us. It must sadden the Lord that oftentimes we take this gift He has given, & don’t treasure it for the precious thing that it is.

2. DEVELOP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD THE CHURCH
I would rather be trying something great for God & fail than be playing it safe & succeed.

3. DISPLAY A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS
The church must be a place where we all can come & be accepted & loved & encouraged & built up - a place where there are people to help us carry our burdens & everyone feels welcome.

Amen?

God Wins!

A friend of mine was sharing about a great Youth ministry he led a few years ago. He told me their success was achieved by concentrating on two things: service for the Lord and Outreach (witnessing). The willingness of the students and leaders to get out of their comfort zones enabled them to grow both spiritually and numerically. They were able to grow because they were following the words of Jesus 2000 years ago when He was asked about the greatest commandment. Jesus said to love God with all you have, and your neighbors (the world) as yourself.

Loving God is serving Him, and you cannot show love any better than to tell someone about that love shown through Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. And whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. The truth and message never changes – only the methodology of accomplishing it changes.

In the last year at Hopewell we have tried to implement these truths to reality in individuals, families, community, and around the world. We have seen some accept salvation through Christ for the first time, and witnessed many lives transformed in living more for Him.

According to the Great Commission the church is to make and grow disciples. As we enter into a new year in 2016 let us focus on doing church Jesus’ way, regardless of the cost. I know that change is hard, but the reward is great. God wins in 2016!

Amen?

Year of Creativity

Consider Paul's advice about life, and let it guide you in the year to come.

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.- Galatians 6:1-5 – The Message

This year be creative - be a better you through Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. Take all these things and apply them to your life. Amen?

In Betweens

For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.-Romans 14:7-9

Three truths found in the In Betweens:

1.     It is God’s way and His world.

Am I a God’s way or my way person?

  

2.     It is God’s will and our wonder.

How can I work on being more faithful and obedient?

3.     It is by Jesus’ wounds and His work.

Where will Jesus send me to be His “hands and feet”?

How will I process this truth?

It will be seen in the way we worship, our study of His Word, and doing things the way He wants us too.

2016

THE TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2016

1. The Bible will still have the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

I use these same predictions every year, because I know they're true.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows - James 1:17

Always remember that God never changes! Amen?