It's early on New Year's Eve 2010 and I'm up early! I wouldn't have it any other way. I woke up and knew instantly; It's time to pray for Shady Grove Church. What a joy to spend time in prayer for some of the most wonderful people on the earth.
Here is what I am praying for us as we leave 2010 and enter 2011. I first learned about this fundamental truth years ago in my twenties and since then have tried to allow it to be deepened in my life each new year or during each significant transition in my life. I have shared it with my friends, family and ministry associates. I referred to it last Sunday in the closing message of the series IT's All Related. It is clearly seen in the Bible in the lives of all the great men and women of God, it is attested by history for individuals, families and even nations. A great man and a great man of God put it in clear written form and this truth from the Word of God has travelled the globe changing the lives of thousands thanks to Dr. Edwin Louis Cole. It's the timeless truth of Entering and Leaving. So, Shady Grove, here are some things to think and pray about as we leave 2010 and enter 2011 and I am praying God's best over all of us with these thoughts guiding me.
1. In Transitions we experience crisis and Crisis is normal to life and almost always a part of transition in some way, (easy or hard ) No matter how you look at it, no matter what the change is, WHO you are is more important than where you are going! You are leaving 2010, but you are taking YOU into 2011 and with that thought in mind here is a my prayer: Father, your Word says in Proverbs 3: 5,6 that if we trust in you with all our hearts and do not lean on our own understanding, but acknowledge you in all our ways, You will make our paths smooth. Father, I acknowledge you for my life, my family, and the life of the wonderful people of Shady Grove Church.
2. Leave 2010 and Enter a Glorious 2011 and Follow the Lord's Pattern: Forgive.
Remember, forgiveness is a gift, it can not be earned, it is given. Don't take unfor- give-ness into 2011. Release others to the grace of God just as Jesus released you to the grace of God. Forgive now! It's not saying you were not wronged or that the other person was "right". It's realizing in the light of God's love you were still in sin when He forgave you and you should forgive others even if you were wronged and in the "right". Lord Jesus, I thank you that we have been forgiven, so I forgive freely, completely and with out reservation because of your love for me.
3. Lord, I Admit that God is my (our) source. As the writer of Hebrew indicates in chapter 13 verse 6 Lord I declare over the people of Shady Grove Church "The Lord is my (our) helper and I (we) will not fear..."
4. Don't Panic! In between jobs, preparing for a marriage or going through any transition with it's crisis, don't panic--Be Productive! Look for a way to serve, keep trusting God no matter what happens. Worship and spend time in God's presence and in His Word. Keep faith and a good schedule. God will be faithful! "You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day...because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling." Psalm 91: 5, 9,10 Thank you Father that you are with us in times of change, transition, crisis and new experiences. I put my trust in you and your faithfulness.
5. Admit God's Sovereignty over your life. God has the right to overrule anything and everything in your life. The life of Joseph is a clear and present encouragement to those who admit God's Sovereign right in life. Joseph had every reason to give up and conclude that God had failed him but He remained faithful to God in a time of great crisis and even confusion. If you have not recently done so read Joseph's story in Genesis 37 and following. Lord God, only you are Sovereign and I admit you can do your will with Shady Grove Church. Her people, her possessions, her ministries, and all she represents. I put my trust in you and know that you will be faithful in all things. Thank you Father in heaven.
6. Don't Limit God
7. Humble yourself to obey God. There are some people who can not admit they are wrong and some people who can not stand to be wronged. Both have difficulties serving God. Humble your self and obey God no matter what. If you are wrong, admit it. If you have been wronged, commit yourself to God and he will lift you up! (1 Peter 5:6) Lord, I thank you for the ability to walk humbly before you and others in all things in my life.
8. Trust God to Vindicate You. Walk, live and act in truth. The Lord always honors those who do. No matter what happens God is able to work justly in our situations and life. Romans 12:19 instructs us to allow God to vindicate us if we have been wronged. Put the situation in God's hand, do what is right, speak what will Glorify Him and let the truth of God vindicate you. Jesus, you are our example in all things. Thank you for aiding us in our weakness and ordering the steps of our lives to bring you glory in all things.
9. Communicate. Communion with God and fellowship with people or in other words: Passion for God, Compassion for people! That's what Shady Grove Church is all about. Keep on praying and stay in touch with those you are in relationship with. Go forward believing that God and others He has put you in "community" will continue to increase His grace and greatness in you life. Worship God and enjoy Him in all things!
10. ACT (Do All you do) in Faith!
Lord Jesus, I pray that as we all move forward together from 2010 into 2011 that you will cause us to leave 2010 "free and clear" so that as we enter 2011 it will be a Glorious beginning of a Year of Glory in Your presence.
Happy New Year 2011 Shady Grove,
Ps Jon
