Happy New Year! How are you? How has your week been?
A new year is a good time to reflect on the past and to look forward to the future. We have the blessing of looking at 2018, and we have so many things for which to be thankful. Like we discussed this past Sunday, we can see the many ways God has provided for us and blessed us. We can see the ways that God has grown and matured us.
At the same time, we see our many failures and shortcomings. We see the times we have sinned and grieved the heart of the Lord. And for that, we must repent.
Although we are so faithless at times, we see that God is still faithful. We see that His unconditional love is steadfast, and it endures forever. We see that God has provided, and we see in Scripture that He will provide.
We know this, because He has provided our salvation in Jesus Christ. He has given us new life. He has resurrected our hearts by taking on our death for sin on the cross. He has lost everything so that we can have everything.
Because of this gospel truth, we are able to surrender. We can surrender our first fruits. We can surrender that which is most precious to us. We can surrender our lives, by the power of the One who first surrendered His.
Friends, may the Lord bless your new year. May this be another year of surrender and trust. May this be another year of witnessing and experiencing the gracious provision and loving redemption of God!
See you all on Sunday for Lord’s Day Worship. Please pray for the retreat. Pray for travel mercies and safety while we’re up there. Pray for our speaker (Pastor Sherwin Kwon), directors, leaders, programs, small groups, and fellowship.
In Christ,
Pastor Tim
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