Hello and welcome to Living in the Shadow! If you are new here, I’m glad you came by. If not, thanks for being a faithful reader (and hopefully making comments)! 🙂
The new year always brings mixed emotions. Some are glad the previous year is over with. I talked with someone just the other day who had that idea. Some look back but then look forward with anticipation for what is ahead. My philosophy is that I can’t change the past; don’t live in regret; learn from the mistakes and the bright spots; and move forward trusting God to lead. In two short days 2024 will be in the history books and 2025 will be laid out in front of us. I can honestly say at this point the only thing I dread about a new year is knowing I will have to do my taxes. It is such a tedious thing and I have so many other more important things to do! Know what I mean? 🙂
The new year brings what many call “New Year’s Resolutions.” I don’t make them. You know how that works. “I’m going to lose so many pounds this year.” “I’m going to spend less and save more.” And for the gym rats among us it is the dreaded “I’m going to start working out more.” That means for January and about half of February the Y or gym will be crowded. Fortunately (for me but not for them) that resolve will soon get lost.
The new year is also a time of spiritual reflection for many. “I’m going to read my Bible more.” “I’m going to pray more.” “I’m going to get involved in church more.” “I’m going to be nicer to people, even those who mistreat me.” Sadly, those will often go by the wayside way too quickly as well. Least one hopes they last further than January or half of February.
The church I pastor is doing something we have never done as a congregation before. We are using Everyday Gospel Devotions by Paul David Tripp as a guide for our daily walk with Jesus. By the end of the year-if we stick to it-we will have not only taken part in the daily devotions, but also in reading through the Bible. I’m trying to help that out by basing my Sunday morning messages on the previous week’s Scripture reading. For example, this coming Sunday the sermon will be from Genesis 1-15. Sounds like a lot but I preach about 20-25 minutes so it will be a condensation of that Scripture. My theme for the year is Burning Hearts taken from Luke 24. After Jesus’ encounter with the two on the road to Emmaus they said, “Did not our hearts burn within us as He talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
My prayer for myself and for the people of OVCF is to have my heart come alive and burn as I study the Scriptures. Feel free to join us in our venture. For more information just respond in the comments.
I love your theme for the year —burning hearts! That’s what I want for myself too—a heart that burns brighter and brighter for Jesus. And how cool that your entire congregation will be reading the same devotional each day! It should spark some interesting conversations!
Thanks for the encouragement Pam! I have no doubt with a desire like that that God will answer it. I failed to mention over 125 books have been ordered.
Happy New Year, Bill! I simply love the theme of burning hearts, on fire for God, as the spiritual adventure your entire congregation will make together this year. This undertaking is indeed inspired by God, and I wish all of you His blessings in this coming year!
Thank you Martha. What started out as a theme seemed to take on a life of its own. The Everyday Gospel Devotion nailed it. We now have ordered over 135 books to give out. Many people bought them and we will have some to give away.
I am so looking forward to our spiritual journey of burning hearts sermons, for what God will do to our church families hearts. My pray is that our church will have a new awakening for those who have never read the Bible, and for those that have or do, just that God does what God does and sets everyone’s heart on fire so that we all live a God focused life and see where that takes us. I am also going to be reading the Bible in chronological order with the ladies I study with. We had decided to do that before I knew your plans Bill to go through the Bible. I am so excited to see how God works in my life in 2025, how He renews me, grows me, however God decides to guide me, I just want to live a God focused life and see what God does with that.
I have no doubt-no matter how or who you read with-that God will honor that commitment Gail. I pray the Lord gives us the opportunity to chat at the end of 2025 to see what you and I both are and where the church is as well.
Burning hearts.. wasn’t there a song by that name?
It sounds good. I like the theme.
I want to get back into posting on my blog this year. But it’s definitely not a resolution. I’d rather get out there and find and feed the lost.
Happy New Year Bill!
Got me on the song Ed. I have no clue. I’m hoping the theme will be a catalyst for those who are looking for their faith to come alive this year.