This week is the first week of 2009, it is often this time of the year people make new year resolutions. Many start late, some never get started and some drop off after time. If you keep your resolution for change, congratulations. A number of people have become so use to knowing that they do not keep theirs that they actually give up making resolutions. These changes can take many forms, but in the Bible we could find encouragement to propel our self-esteem and confidence in a bright hope and future.
The first is from Jeremiah 29:11-13 which says, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (12) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. (13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with ALL YOUR HEART.” Regardless of your circumstances today there is ALWAYS hope for those who trust in Him. We must merely seek Him with ‘All of our hearts’ and he will ALWAYS listen to you. This is true even though you don’t see Him.Isaiah 43:18-19 say, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. (19) See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland to give drink to my people, whom I formed.”
2008 is history. Do learn from it, but live in 2009 and either one of two things can apply. 1) You may make a first-time commitment to God by asking Him into your life. 2) You may vow to renew or grow your relationship with Him. A final verse that we need to know can be found is one of the Gospels. Since it is the first week it is important for us to remember this: Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek First the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these thing will be given to you as well.” What better gift to give Him this year than your attention and focus as first priority every day? His promise if you do this is to provide your needs as well. There are 3 important points we should remember and do in 2009 if we want to see our lives increased and established:
- Expect a bright hope and future by trusting our lives in His great love and faithfulness.
- Expect something great and new things to happen in our lives, whether making a first-time commitment to Him or greater growth in our spiritual lives.
- Expect awesome answers to our needs by putting Him first in our lives daily.
May God Bless Your Life This Year and Always!!
NEW YEAR CORPORATE PRAYER AND FASTING (January 5th - 24th)We have an exciting year and an incredible future ahead of us! Because God has given us a vision, a dream for our life. The coming New Year will be the year God releases the blessings and favors we need to grow and increase. What's the key? The NEW YEAR FAST! When we fast, we open up the blessings and opportunities God has provided to pursue our God-given vision and dream.
FRIDAY EVENING PRAYER
Corporate Friday Evening Prayer will be held on January 23rd. Prayer will be held at 7 pm at Ps. Rony's residence.
COMPASSION MINISTRY
Our Compassion Ministry is now offering a ministry opportunity to all members who have burden to involve with community work. This compassion team is planning to provide free professional services such as free tax preparation and free ESL course. If you want to know more about this project, please contact Sister Delia or Irene.
SATURDAY PRAYER
Every Saturday morning 10 am @ Peter Kurniali’s Residence (We would love to have you all join us.) Please feel free to contact us with any prayer requests or if anyone need personal/congregational prayer support, We are here to help!
CARECELL
All church members are always encouraged to be part of care cell. What is care cell?A CARE cell is a spiritual family where we experience God through relationships with one another. It is also place where we can receive support and encouragement and learn practical truths to help us to grow and overcome challenges of life.
CARECELL CONTACT NUMBER
- Downtown Area (Wijaya/Angie Elham - 312-731-4621 )
- Chinatown Area(Felix/Delia Widjaja - 708-351-0594 )
- Schaumburg(Peter/Sunny Setiawan - 312-863-9407)
- Libertyville(Akiong/Merry Gunawan - 847-414-4068 )
- Oswego(Kasih/Tanfie Listiawan - 630-566-8602 )a
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