If you fail to plan, you…
Sunday 1 January, 2012 · Posted by Raj Gupta
Welcome to church today. I trust that you had an enjoyable Christmas this year, remembering the birth of our Lord Jesus.
The summer period tends to be a time of the year when many take time to reflect over the year just gone and think about the year ahead. Can I suggest we also take this opportunity to reflect on our Christian lives in the same kind of way?
How has God blessed you in the year just gone? There is always the blessing of the Lord Jesus that we can and should be thankful for. How has your relationship with the Lord being traveling in the last year? Is your relationship stronger than it was 12 months ago? Have you been learning from the Bible? What about your prayer life? Has there been progress that you are thankful for, or perhaps you are tempted to pray that the year coming will be better.
The Bible talks about the Christian life as one of continual progress. As we start 2011, may we encourage you to pray for wisdom that you will grow this year, and for knowing how to structure your life so that you might. Those who fail to plan generally plan to fail! In an age where so many procrastinate, and where distractions abound, this point is not to be understated. We are told ‘… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ (1 Corinthians 10:31b)
How will you live your life to the glory of God in the year ahead? Is this the year for you to join a Bible study group? I remember how a small group did the PTC Course Introduction to the Bible – each of them raved about how much they learned and grew. Overseas visitors often comment that we have so many opportunities for training on our doorstep. Some express surprise that more people in churches in Sydney don’t make use of what’s available. Perhaps 2011 is the year for you.
Our service of God should also extend to using the gifts that he has given to serve his people. I continue to dream of a church where every individual is using their gifts to serve one another and God’s kingdom. What things are you good at doing? And are you willing to use those abilities to the glory of God?
Enjoy summer as you revel in God’s creation – doing everything for His glory. And remember: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Raj
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