January 2016

Happy New Year!

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to God’s glory.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

 
Happy New Year, Emmanuel Family! Elgen, the girls and I are so blessed to be kicking off another year with you – you all are so special to us and, as we thank God specifically for His blessings, our church family is right at the top of our list.
 
I don’t know about you, but I’m a bad New Year’s resolution keeper. I mean, REALLY bad! I always out with the best of intentions, but, by the third week or so, my need for good food, or extra time, or whatever takes my eye off the prize has usually caused me to leave my great intentions in the dust. So, this year, I’ve decided to not do resolutions. I’ve decided to make worship commitments to God to improve myself, or recommit myself, or rededicate myself to being the most productive member of the family of God that I can be. That’ll call for some realignment of thinking on some issues, but it’s worth it if my actions, or my words, or my thoughts are going to be a Christ-honoring witness– which is where we all should be.
 
I’d like to challenge you to forego the usual resolutions this year, too, and make some commitments to worship God through your life in 2015. Don’t make it something that you do just for a year, but something that you start that will become a lifestyle change.
 
Here are just a few areas to consider:

 

Commit to being more regular in worship. It’s where the family of God comes together to praise, and we are commanded to gather in

unity.

Commit to joining a Bible Study class on Sunday morning. Come on, now, it’s just an extra hour on Sunday – you can do it! And,
it’s where you will grow in friendships, and grow in Bible knowledge – it’s important!
 
Commit to being involved in a ministry – either here at the church, or in some other way. Remember, what God has done for us should give us the motivation we need to get out of our comfort zone and minister to others.
 
Commit to praying daily for Emmanuel Baptist Church – pray for our vision, our ministries, our passion, our boldness, and our leadership.
 
Commit to make tithing a priority in 2016. We’ve come a long way over the past year, but there’s more to do. Remember that our ability to reach beyond the walls of this place and make a difference for the Kingdom begins with your faithful support of the church. Join us as we go even farther in 2016!

 

Commit to giving something of yourself in service to someone else. Not only is service a command emulated in action by Christ, but it should be a basic part of our DNA as Christians. And, the joy you will receive as you meet another’s needs in Christ is beyond any-
thing you could expect.

 

So, as we kick off this New Year, let’s do it right. Let’s focus on loving, serving, and reaching in 2016! And, remember, whatever you do, do it to God’s glory. That’s our act of daily worship.
 

In His Love,

Bro. Heath

 


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