New Year, New Focus

My wife and I had the opportunity to enter 2013 in the presence of God. We went to a service at a local church, one that her and I attended several years ago. It's actually where we met. It was a small scale homecoming for us and we enjoyed seeing the familiar faces and catching up with those who are such a big part of our life, some of which we owe many thanks for guiding us to where we are today. If you ever get the opportunity to attend a new year's service, do it. There's no better way to reflect on the past year and to renew your spirit to walk into a new one.

By far, the most captivating part of the night were the testimonies given throughout the service by those who attended and also the pastors. One thing was clear, 2012 was a tough year on us all and at times it seemed as though we may not make it through. Our families, marriages, careers, and ministries were under heavy assault. This was the theme for all, and it was comforting to know that we were not alone. Through it all, we kept our minds on the Lord and His Word. Our relationship and worship may not have been anywhere near perfect, the point is that we stayed the course.

“For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.” -Alfred D'Souza

There's a lot of wisdom in the above quote and again it's nice to know that we aren't alone. There's a reason for the struggles, they create maturity and shake those things which we need to let go of. We are faced with a choice when we meet an obstacle. We can fight it ourselves and burn out, or we can surrender and conform to the Lord's will and walk through it with Him. Last year was a year of great preparation for those in the house of the Lord. The enemy has tried to play many of us out of position because he knows what lies ahead. If you made it through 2012 you can make it through anything.

 My objective in this blog is to encourage you to renew your focus this year. What has the Lord been saying to you? What is that thing inside you that just keeps coming back? What are you passionate about? Make this the year that you focus your energy on your passion. Develop and practice the skills you need to be successful.

The task I feel that I have been given is to perfect my evangelistic message. The Lord opened my eyes to this in early December. I feel this responsibility is something that we all have as well. We are stewards over the mysteries of God, and we are the only way those around us will see the Kingdom. This year I'm taking a targeted approach in my Bible study and reading. I'm going to memorize all necessary scriptures, and work on my presentation for leading a person to Christ, as well as answering  the questions that most folks raise about God and salvation. I'm laying out a clear plan, one that starts with the existence of God, His attributes, and why Jesus. This will no doubt be a lot of work, but its something I'm passionate about and exactly what the world needs. May God help me in my pursuit this year and also in yours.

In closing I'd like to share the scripture the Lord gave my wife and I to stand on this year:

Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

-Psalm 126:6

2012 was tough, it took a lot of effort to make it through, and much of the work we did was done through pain. But...We shall doubtless come again rejoicing! 

Shout out to Living Faith Church and the Isaiah 58 Project!
419 N Cameron St
Winchester, VA 22601
www.isaiah58project.com/