Prioritise God in all things

As we step into this New Year, let us reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year and look forward with hope and faith. May we commit to prioritising time to read and engage with God, raising the standard in everything we do, whether in our personal or professional lives, and creating Holy Habits, such as regular prayer, scripture reading, and acts of kindness. ?

The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 43:18-19: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." This verse encourages us to embrace the new opportunities and paths God creates for us. Do not miss the new things the Lord is doing and wants to do through each of us.

Furthermore, Philippians 4:13 guides us: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Let this be our mantra as we face the tasks ahead, knowing we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things with Christ's strength. Whether we go alone or together, remember the profound importance of unity and love. 1 Corinthians 12:12 tells us: "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." Each of us plays a vital role in our mission; together, we can accomplish more than we ever could.

Finally, let us hold onto the promise of Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Trust in God's plan for our mission and each of us individually. This promise is our anchor, our assurance that we are on the right path.

I leave you with these words of wisdom from Archbishop Michael Ramsey to his clergy, which I believe equally apply to us personally.

· Thank God often and consistently. Thank him carefully and wonderingly for your continuing privileges and every experience of his goodness. Thankfulness is a soil on which pride does not quickly grow.

·?Take care about confession of your sins. As time passes, the habit of being critical of people and things grows more than we realise.

·?Be ready to accept humiliation. It can hurt terribly, but it can help keep you humble. All these can be many chances to be nearer to our Lord. There is nothing to fear if you are close to the Lord and in his hands.

· Do not worry about status. There is only one status that Our Lord bids us to be concerned with: our proximity to Him, which means being in a close relationship with Him and following His teachings. "If a man serves me, let him follow me, and where I am, there also shall my servant be". (John 12:26) That is our status: to be near our Lord wherever He may ask us to go with him.

·?Use your sense of humour. Laugh at things, laugh at the absurdities of life, laugh at yourself. Humour is a gift from God, a way to lighten our burdens and bring joy to others.

· People will thank God for you throughout the year. Let their thankfulness be not just that you were a person whom they liked or loved but that you made God real to them.

May this New Year be filled with God's blessings, guidance, and peace. Let us move forward with faith, hope, and love, ready to serve and make a difference in the lives of those we reach.