Dear Friends Pursing Christ,

Happy New Year! It is the time of year when we make resolutions and plans for the New Year. C. S. Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” A goal that I am setting for myself, and I hope that you will join with me in for 2019, is to make a commitment to grow closer to God. I am asking Him to place His heart in mine. I desire to love as HE loves, to forgive as HE forgives, to give grace, as HE gives grace. I want to go beyond the status quo of the Christian life. This is risky business. God’s heart implanted in mine will make some changes in my life. One change for sure will be taking me beyond my comfort zone. Let me say to you now, I am living comfortably, not being stretched or challenged. For me that needs to change. What about you? How would you describe your relationship with the Lord? Growing? Stagnant? Plateaued?

During the month of January, I will be doing a study on God’s Grace.  My study will be incorporated in the sermon series.  Many of you have said that you would like to dig deeper into this topic. I hope and pray this series will encourage you in your walk with the Lord. Each week I will have a study sheet for further reflection with Scriptures to study and some additional comments from Christian authors.  I will also start a group page on FB who want to continue the conversation.

As we study Bible texts this January, I encourage you to incorporate the following into your devotional time with the Lord:

• Being Still, Psalm 46:10
• Abiding in His presence, John 15:1-17
• Adoring Him in Worship: Psalm 96:9
• Appling His Word: Hebrews 10:16

I would also like to challenge you in your giving. The first week in January we will set some goals for the New Year. I will ask that you join me in stretching your faith in your giving of your time, talents, and finances. God has given us the vision of God’s House and reaching our community for Him, how do you see yourself fitting into this mission? What is God prompting you to do? Think about this. For those who are home bound what can you do?  For example, Gloria helps with some of our community flyers as well as prayer. When I visit in January I will ask how you can help and how together we can make a difference for Jesus.

In closing, I want to thank you for your very generous financial gift.  I appreciate it very much.  But it is YOU that I appreciate most. What a joy it us for me to partner in ministry with you. Our journey together has been a blessing from God to me. Thank you for your love and support. I pray that I am a blessing to you. Let us continue to grow in Christ and serve HIM with joy.

Love, Ilona