The start of a new year

I want to wish all my friends and followers a very Happy New Year. I pray that you, your families, and your churches will be especially blessed throughout 2018. Like every year, there will be some exciting things happen in our lives, and there will be some challenges. I want to remind you that our Lord Jesus Christ will be with you in both circumstances. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, and He never will.

Like most years, yesterday on the first day of the year I spent time cleaning my desk and files. Some things were moved out of my desk into filing cabinets. Some things were thrown in the trash while other personal items were shredded. I at least like to start the new year with a clean desk and a, relatively, clean study.

A few days ago I reviewed what items were already entered into my 2018 calendar, and it looks like January is going to be a busy month. Our church has several meetings and planning events scheduled. I'm blessed to serve a church as their Transitional Pastor that is not waiting for a new pastor before planning for new ministries and improving the way we are currently doing ministry.

The start of the new year is a good time to remind a church of the vision God has given them, and that will be the focus of my message next Sunday. If your church does not have a current vision for ministry the start of a new year is a good time to discern such a vision from God. Without such a vision churches merely wander around in the wilderness hoping something they do makes a difference. How much better is it to be focused on fulfilling the vision God has for your church!

The start of the new year is also a good time for leaders to think about what they are going to do to intentionally grow spiritually. No pastor or other church leader can take people further than he or she has gone. It is imperative that every church leader seek ways to continue his or her spiritual development.

Our church has entered into 40 days of prayer and fasting starting with January 1. We've encouraged our members to take one day to pray and fast for the church, for the new pastor the church will call, and for one another. Many of our members have signed up, some for more than one day. We believe this will not only bring God's blessings to our church, it will also aid in our congregation's spiritual development. Not only do church leaders need to be engaged in activities that lead to spiritual growth, it is imperative that every one in the church is growing as well. We are expecting to hear some exciting stories about how this time of prayer and fasting has impacted lives!