Kingdom Resolutions
As we approach a new year, many see it as an opportunity for setting new goals and accomplishing new endeavors. What is it about a new year that motivates people to make resolutions for improving their health, getting out of debt, or prioritizing family? Perhaps for some, they see the new year as a gift from God that they don’t want to waste.
Although setting new goals for the new year can be a good thing, as my friend Pastor Troy Keaton suggests, “yet the mere fact that we have a new desk calendar provides no guarantee that the tomorrow will be any better than today. Maybe it’s our focus and determination that comes as one year ends and a new one begins that gives us reason to look forward with optimism to the future. And yet we all know that goals can quickly fade if we are not careful. One person defined a new year’s resolution as a ‘to do list for the first week of January.’”
I want to suggest to you that there is reason to be optimistic about the goals we our setting and the plans we are making for the new year, especially when those goals and plans are connected with God’s kingdom purposes. The great 18th century missionary to India, William Carey, who is known as the father of modern missions, said, “I’m not afraid of failure. I’m afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.” Men and women like William Carey accomplished great things for God because hearing “well done” from the only mouth that matters is what mattered most to them.
As King David was passing the baton to his son Solomon, and instructing him about his God given assignment to build the house of the Lord, he said to his son: “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. And behold the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and with you in all the work will be every willing man who has skill for any kind of service; also the officers and all the people will be wholly at your command.” (1 Chronicles 28:20-21)
Like Solomon, God has plans and assignments that He wants us to accomplish in the new year. As believers, we all have a role to play in building up the house of the Lord, (the church) and advancing His kingdom. We don’t have to be afraid about the uncertainties of 2024. Rather, we can be strong, courageous, and optimistic because when we are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we can trust that He will be with us until all His work is finished and we can be confident that where He guides He will provide (Matt 6:33; 28:18-20).
What’s more, God’s word is clear, God guides and provides in answer to prayer (Luke 11:13). Have you sought the Lord about His plans, goals, and assignments for your life? A vital lesson to learn about prayer is that prayer is not ultimately about seeking God to meet our earthly expectations, but about looking for God’s blessing to fulfill His plans. I really appreciate Chris Ritters insights here:
And He will do so in a way that not only blesses you but blesses others through you and fulfills His redemptive plans.
As we do at the beginning of every year, on January 8th we will begin our church wide 21 days of prayer. This year's prayer emphasis will be praying for church leaders. The prayer guide will be available this Sunday for a suggested donation of five dollars. Church leaders are under attack. The pressures of life and ministry have caused many over the last few years to become deeply discouraged and to even leave the ministry. To stay healthy, Christians leaders need the continual prayers and strong support of the church to help them fulfill their calling and finish strong.
Let’s enter 2024 with great courage and confidence, not just because the gift of a new year itself is an opportunity for a fresh start, but because Emmanuel, the God who took on flesh to save us from our sin, promises to be with us. We can trust that His plans for us are good and when we depend upon Him in prayer to fulfill them, He will be with us every step of the way.
Happy New Year,
Pastor Marco
Although setting new goals for the new year can be a good thing, as my friend Pastor Troy Keaton suggests, “yet the mere fact that we have a new desk calendar provides no guarantee that the tomorrow will be any better than today. Maybe it’s our focus and determination that comes as one year ends and a new one begins that gives us reason to look forward with optimism to the future. And yet we all know that goals can quickly fade if we are not careful. One person defined a new year’s resolution as a ‘to do list for the first week of January.’”
I want to suggest to you that there is reason to be optimistic about the goals we our setting and the plans we are making for the new year, especially when those goals and plans are connected with God’s kingdom purposes. The great 18th century missionary to India, William Carey, who is known as the father of modern missions, said, “I’m not afraid of failure. I’m afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.” Men and women like William Carey accomplished great things for God because hearing “well done” from the only mouth that matters is what mattered most to them.
As King David was passing the baton to his son Solomon, and instructing him about his God given assignment to build the house of the Lord, he said to his son: “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. And behold the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and with you in all the work will be every willing man who has skill for any kind of service; also the officers and all the people will be wholly at your command.” (1 Chronicles 28:20-21)
Like Solomon, God has plans and assignments that He wants us to accomplish in the new year. As believers, we all have a role to play in building up the house of the Lord, (the church) and advancing His kingdom. We don’t have to be afraid about the uncertainties of 2024. Rather, we can be strong, courageous, and optimistic because when we are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we can trust that He will be with us until all His work is finished and we can be confident that where He guides He will provide (Matt 6:33; 28:18-20).
What’s more, God’s word is clear, God guides and provides in answer to prayer (Luke 11:13). Have you sought the Lord about His plans, goals, and assignments for your life? A vital lesson to learn about prayer is that prayer is not ultimately about seeking God to meet our earthly expectations, but about looking for God’s blessing to fulfill His plans. I really appreciate Chris Ritters insights here:
“Prayer is most powerful when we marry our needs to God’s divine purpose. Jesus teaches us to pray, ‘Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’
So weave your needs in with God’s kingdom as you pray. Always keep the Kingdom of God in mind. If you need finances, frame that in the context of the Kingdom. ‘God, I want to take care of my needs and also be a blessing to your Kingdom and to others.’ Get a Kingdom vision.
If you are praying for health, weave that into God’s Kingdom. 'God, I am asking for new health and strength so that I can use that strength to glorify your name, to serve your people, and praise your name.' Jesus said when you put God’s Kingdom first, God will take care of your needs."
And He will do so in a way that not only blesses you but blesses others through you and fulfills His redemptive plans.
As we do at the beginning of every year, on January 8th we will begin our church wide 21 days of prayer. This year's prayer emphasis will be praying for church leaders. The prayer guide will be available this Sunday for a suggested donation of five dollars. Church leaders are under attack. The pressures of life and ministry have caused many over the last few years to become deeply discouraged and to even leave the ministry. To stay healthy, Christians leaders need the continual prayers and strong support of the church to help them fulfill their calling and finish strong.
Let’s enter 2024 with great courage and confidence, not just because the gift of a new year itself is an opportunity for a fresh start, but because Emmanuel, the God who took on flesh to save us from our sin, promises to be with us. We can trust that His plans for us are good and when we depend upon Him in prayer to fulfill them, He will be with us every step of the way.
Happy New Year,
Pastor Marco