Chaplain’s Chat Copy
We’ve launched into a new year and the obligatory New Year’s resolutions come into effect. Are you someone who makes New Year’s resolutions? I used to, but invariably felt too deflated after failing to keep them..
When Jesus launched His ministry plans in Luke 4:14-21, Luke records Jesus returning to
Galilee in the power of the Spirit. If we desire to see our good plans for the year ahead prosper,
our attitudes and decisions must be infused and empowered with God’s plans.
In Luke 4:14, we see that Jesus was fuelled with Holy Spirit which enabled Him to map and plan His ministry and walk successfully into those plans.
When making plans for 2023, maybe consider these two quick questions:
- Do these plans bless others or benefit me solely? Paul is reminded in Galatians 2:10 that God delights in our love for others and blesses us to bless others!
- Are these plans aligned with God’s character? When Aladdin found the genie’s lamp, he was afforded three wishes to change his life and make his dreams a reality. People who turn to God in a similar way attempt to use God to realise their plans, which usually ends badly (Proverbs 16:3-4).
When we submit ourselves to God and His power, we can be a blessing that adds value to the world around us and, when an inevitable slip up comes, His power sustains us, so we can get
up and keep going.
May your 2023 plans be a blessing to others.
DAN LYONS, Director of Mission
Read more stories from Belong: Summer 2023 | Edition 28
