As we come to the end of 2017 and begin the New Year, it is a good time to take stock of our lives and recommit to following Jesus. Those words seem easy, but, as we all know, following Jesus is not always easy. In fact, it rarely is.
Because following Jesus requires that we be willing to step out of our comfort zones. What is it that Jesus is calling you to this coming year? Is it a new mission? Is it diving deeper into His Word? Is it taking on new responsibilities in the church, the neighborhood, the family, at work? What has the Lord put on your heart for the New Year?
Notice I’m not asking for a New Years’ Resolution! My experience is that resolutions rarely work to truly change our lives. Mainly because we attempt to keep resolutions by our own strength; that doesn’t work! Unless, of course, the resolution is to follow Jesus more closely, relying on His strength!
On Sunday, January 7th, we will once again be engaging in the Wesley Covenant Service which Methodists and other Wesleyans have historically done on the first Sunday of a new year. In the service we will recommit our lives to following Jesus wherever He leads us. It is a very powerful service, and I encourage the entire Fount family to be there on January 7th.
But we have to make sure our commitments and re-commitments are not empty and rote. We start by self-examination and by asking God to show us our heart, being brutally honest with ourselves and with God. We confess our sins, and acknowledge our failures as disciples of Jesus. Then we let God speak to that heart, and empower our discipleship.
Are you ready?
We don’t know what the New Year will bring, but we do know that whatever it brings Jesus will still be Lord. And if we are truly following Him, we will be triumphant with Him!
Blessings,
Pastor Glen