(Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him (v4))
Once more we begin a new year.
The year that lies ahead is in many ways a new beginning.
Each year preparations are made by governments, organisations, families and individuals to celebrate, say goodbye to the old and welcome in the New Year with all its opportunities and challenges.
And all usually with the aim of making a difference.
The theme I’d like us to consider is how we can make a spiritual difference this year, what preparations can we make to influence the world and those around us?
Consider the words in the passage
John the Baptist’s mission was ‘to prepare the way’.
Was there ever a greater time in history that people needed to prepare a way for the Lord than we do now?
In a world obsessed with physical wellbeing, exercise, hydration and mindfulness, has the need for spiritual health and spiritual wellbeing ever been greater?
We have the same calling as John the Baptist in our fast-paced world of global change. Never before has the world been so interconnected, but it is also in flux and chaos, searching for new moorings, feeling after a new order.
But without God no new order will be found.
What this world needs more than anything is a people who will prepare the way.
Men and women like john the Baptist, who prepared himself first and then went out and prepared others to know God. No more important questions can be asked by each Christian, as we begin this new year, than these:
Am I spiritually fit for what lies ahead?
Am I willing to be part of preparing the way and making the paths straight.
Dear God, at the beginning of a new year help me to make a difference.
Give me the strength and courage to prepare the way for You and Your Kingdom.
Prepare me first so that I am ready to fulfil your purposes in the days that lie ahead.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Hi! Everyone and welcome to a new year in 2021. A year that I hope will bring a slowdown of the Covid19 Virus, this can only happen if we all do the right thing, by self distancing, sanitising and registering.
So please help each other.
At 1-30pm Sylvia Harvey welcomed 10 members, with a new one coming a little later, to our Planning Day. Sylvia H, opened with prayer.
A number of good ideas for our programme were brought to the table.
Just a brief of our programme: – Getting to know one of our members. A guest speaker telling of his experience staying at Government House as guest of the Governor, Hieu Van Le. Several interesting outings. Craft workshop for the Samaritan Purse.
Talks from some of the members. The AGM on 16 November and Carol singing on 14th December 2021.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 16th February and we would love to see you there. New members and visitors are always welcome.
Blessings to you all, Raelene
