The year 2013 has been a great journey and now we look forward to 2014
After Christmas, we sometimes have a little bit of a letdown. There was this big buildup for a couple of months and now it’s all over … or is it? Really, it’s just beginning and Christmas can launch us into an exciting New Year!
Last Sunday at the church I attend, the message was titled “This is Just the Beginning”. Pastor Brandon Frenzel brought the message to us with some great points in bold. Below each point are some notes in blue print I took while listening.
Christ the King
At Christmas, we are reminded that God is with us as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. In Psalm 45:5-9, we are told that God’s throne last forever.
Seized by the Power of a Great Affection
In Ephesians 2:4-5, we are told that because of His great love for us, we are made alive. God never gives up on us. We may have to reassess things as we look back on 2013 but we can come back stronger in 2014 with new confidence in the fact that God is with us.
Jesus Changes Everything
Jesus changed everything upside down and it’s all in our favor. In Romans 8:37-39, we read that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Jesus stepped in and all of a sudden, God is with us and the rules have changed to make things easier for us.
Everything will be Alright
In Matthew 6:25-34, we can gain optimism for the future because if we seek first His kingdom, there will always be help.
We are just about to put the year 2013 into our memories. Some memories may have been good ones that we will cherish forever and others may have been bad memories that we would rather forget. No matter what, we can rest assured that 2014 can be better than 2013 if we prepare each day with God; having a time set aside to plan and pray for a productive day. Then day by day, we can be thankful for Jesus and lean on the grace of God; making course corrections along the way with confidence in these words: I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
Next weekend, Pastor Steve will bring the message “God’s Vision for His Creation”. If you are not able to attend your local church service (traveling, health condition, weather, etc), I invite you to this link of the podcast where you can listen/watch each sermon message.
Have a Happy New Year!
Photo Credit
Google Images
Outline of Sermon
- Happy New Year, please. (amylwestdavidson.wordpress.com)
- Waking Up In The New Year (morethanvolunteers.wordpress.com)
The journey through Song of Songs was completed yesterday and it has provided some good spiritual food in preparation for the New Year. In 2014, we should constantly pray for and be aware of ways to help each other. Here’s a poem with this in mind: We Pray.
