Blessed and Happy New Year!
Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 – ESV
Walking with God – or walking the dog
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ in this new year! The title of my article is a bit different. My goal is to have us focus on Christ Jesus and His Word as the means by which we live, we move, we give, and we love throughout this new year. A disciple is a follower—following the Lord Jesus. That is done by abiding in His Word. Abiding, as in continuing, living, existing in His Word. Or, as Paul writes in Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”
For the unbelieving world, by which we are surrounded, often we hear a message that is just the opposite. To be sure, our own human natures echo the same sad and sinful song: god should be on our leash…staying where he’s supposed to; ready to be yanked back into place if he tries to deviate from the path we have chosen; ready to be called upon—if he’s needed. Otherwise, go to the corner…sit…stay…shhh!
As we begin 2022, we begin with a wonderful invitation! It’s a powerful encouragement, too! Indeed, the CHALLENGE is before us all! It’s the RLC, the Red Letter Challenge. It will see us together spending the first 40 days of the year exploring and being edified by God’s Word—and more specifically the words of Jesus speaking to you and me!
I totally encourage you to participate! If you haven’t already, grab a book in the narthex of the Sanctuary. Thank you, if you are able, for donating $10 for it. I invite you to use each daily devotional reading as further use of the Word of God to grow in lives of sanctification—of becoming more and more like Christ—Whom we are following into eternity!
A “side challenge” of mine is to read THE BIBLE THROUGH IN 2022! Want to join me? Let me know, and we can encourage one another!
Love from your pastor who loves you, a fellow-follower of Jesus. And I look forward to seeing you in church!
Pastor Don Fraker
