MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR - January
2005
Here's
to the New Year!
'For the Lord is good and his love endures for ever; his faithfulness
continues through all generations.' Psalm 100: 5
You've
written down your heart's desires for the New Year. You've set your
mind towards the things of the Lord and long to serve him as best you
can, wherever he may lead you.
You've had some ups and downs this last year, some of which you still
do not understand, but through it all God's faithfulness has never
wavered. What better way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in
the new one than by thanking the One who holds it all together: Jesus.
Thanksgiving and praise are not dependent on emotions or circumstances.
We give thanks to God for who He is, not what He has done. God does not
change. He is the same today, yesterday and forever. This means
whatever we go through, we know we can always count on Him never to
leave us or forsake us. And because He is the same always, His
characteristics remain unchangeable. He is infallible, therefore
dependable - unlike people, governments, careers and relationships that
are in constant motion and therefore subject to change.
As we approach the New Year, 'Worship the Lord with gladness; come
before Him with joyful songs' (Psalm 110: 2). He's brought you through
another year and will see you through the next one. Celebrate His
goodness and His gift of salvation with joy. We have the honour of
calling the Most High God our Father and friend. It is a privilege of
which some people are still ignorant. And what's more, we have the
pleasure of knowing that God's goodness is not limited to earth. It
also extends to the next life. That is something to celebrate and shout
about. Shout to the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with
thanksgiving!
Here's to God's blessings and a righteous New Year.
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