"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
2 Cor 5:17
The New Year always brings challenges as well as exciting opportunities. It allows us to look back at the previous year, celebrating and giving glory to God for the incredible things He has done in our lives. We also have the opportunity to reflect on testimonies that allow us to declare His faithfulness.
It also lets us think and reflect on some of the difficulties we faced. We all experience highs and lows, good times and tough times. As Christians, we know that we don't go through them alone. The Lord is with us and He will never leave us nor forsake us!
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Cor 5:18-19
Looking at the year ahead, we can see plenty of opportunities to share our faith and be credible witnesses for Jesus. By the leading of the Holy Spirit, take a moment to self-evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. The Holy Spirit will reveal the things that need attention in our lives, areas that need addressing, and areas that only The Holy Spirit can help us with. We must surrender our lives, our hopes, and our ambitions to the Lord! We need The Holy Spirit to work in the areas of our lives that God wants to transform and use for building His Kingdom.
"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2
We have been commissioned. We all have a clear mission and mandate to build God's Kingdom. Let 2025 be the year that we let go of the baggage from the past and press on towards the prize and serve Jesus as His credible witnesses in our churches, communities, the marketplace, and in our work situations. In each and every opportunity that comes our way in 2025, let's be ready to give an account of the faithfulness of our Lord!
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Cor 5:20
We are Christ's ambassadors. An ambassador is defined as a person sent as the chief representative of his or her government in another country. As we step into this New Year, let us be more mindful of Who we represent. As sons and daughters of the Most High God, we are gifted and equipped with everything we need in order to make a difference in the world around us. We have the honor to represent Him in our everyday lives!
Prayer for 2025
Lord Jesus help us to be ambassadors for you. We thank You for the Authority You have given us, and we will Go and make disciples of all nations; we will baptize them and teach them Your commands. We know Jesus; You are with us always, wherever we go. We intend to walk in the Power of the Holy Spirit and be Your credible witnesses. Amen!
