Twenty twenty-three will be in the history books within the next twenty-four hours.
As I reflect on the last twelve months, I am in awe of how the sovereign God continues to orchestrate the affairs of our lives. He has preserved our going out, and coming in. HE HAS BEEN MY HEALER, DELIVERER!
How God covered and carried the world through COVID and brought us through to the other side is a miracle!
Sadly, too many lives were lost. The upside to that is that so many thousands upon thousands are here to say that Psalm 91 is a reality for those who are leaning on the word of God!
- He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow Of the Almighty.
- He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the perilous pestilence.
- He shall cover you with His feathers, and under HIs wings you shall take refuge.
- You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
- Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday! Psalm 91: 1 – 6 NKJV
Families are resuming their regular routines.
Churches are embracing their respective “new normal”.
God is still in the saving business. Souls (young and old) are giving their lives to Christ.
There is a remnant, a cross generational army that is being prepared for life and Christian service in this last chapter as we know it.
While I am grateful to God for His acts of grace, mercy and benevolence toward mankind, I am thinking with prayer and concern about the direction of the church (at in least in America).
I am concerned about the trend that facilitates the conferring of titles and appointments.
In this “new age” of hypersensitivity, self-aggrandizement, the spirit of entitlement and comfort at any cost, threatens to erode the solid foundational truths of the Christian faith.
I question: “What will the quality of the church become in the next decade, and beyond?”
While the bedrock of our faith is love, we have grown to misinterpret love as an absence of conflict.
I believe, live and teach that in life parenthood, business, and in the church, conflict is predictable. However, conflict resolution can be transformational.
True leaders understand and embrace the challenges and the potential rewards that can be realized through conflict, and healthy debate.
When we engage in transparent discussions, however uncomfortable, we allow the Spirit of Truth to heal, correct and massage: minister.
I pray that as we cross over to the new season of unknowns, let us approach the dawn with the assurance that God will use anything, and anyone to accomplish His purposes.
Pastors, parents, leaders of every persuasion, lead from a position of gratitude.
Lead from a position of responsibility, not authority, from Divine positioning not carnal opportunity.
Lead with agape love. Guide with grace. Confront conflict with compassion and conviction. Pursue peace!
John wrote to the church: Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die……Revelation 3: 2 NKJV
My brothers and sisters, watch and pray. Trust God.
Blessings for this new year,
Pastor Samuel M. Wright, Jr, Th. D
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