New Year, New Day, New Way

Beloved,

First, I hope and pray that your new year in 2019 has started off tremendously. 2018 is gone. We can remember but we cannot revisit. How exciting it is that God has given us a new year to embrace in which we can be embraced by Him. I do believe that 2019 will be a fantastic year for Zion Memorial, a year of growth in our collective health, wealth and relationships in all four realms of our existence - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

It is a new year. Today is a new day. The old is gone and God has given us a new way.

In terms of the new way, Isaiah 55:2-3,5 tells us, "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; listen so that you may live...See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that you do not know shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you."

My wonderful church family, the last five words are critical for you to understand, "for he has glorified you."

Through Jesus the Christ, we are the glory of God and because that is true, the glory of God should shine for all the world to see.

You, yes you, are a brilliant light giving evidence to the shekinah glory of God.

Brilliant light will do one of two things. First, it can blind the eye and cause some to turn away.

Second, it can be like a moth to a flame and attract others who want to see and know more. But, unlike the moth to the flame, our light should not burn up and destroy. It should attract, warm, illuminate, and show a better way by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

You have something inside of you that God desires to use in this new year to bear witness that He is a glorious God and you are His glory because He has glorified you.

Therefore, as we approach this second day of this new year, may we be wise and prudent stewards over all that God has given us in terms of our time, talent, and treasure. We do not want to waste any of it. We do not want to spend our money on passing fancies that leave us yearning instead of fulfilled. We do not want to work solely for the things of this earth but we should desire for our labor to be for the kingdom of God and His righteousness knowing that God knows what we need and we can trust that He will provide.

And, in our seeking to please Him, He will send us a harvest. The harvest is not necessarily more money for more things. But, it will certainly be more souls to be saved and saved souls seeking to work out their soul salvation.

Nations, people, family and friends who you may be able to name are going to come. But, they who come will be known to you one way but the glory of God that is in them that may not have been yet revealed will make them known to you in a new way.

As you grow and continue to change for the better, others will come also.

You are going to see others working with you and beside you and be surprised to see them. Know that it will not be a surprise to God. It is in His will and it is revealed in His prophetic word.

Zion, we are the people of God. And, God is going to send us more of His people if we will dare to steadfastly love God, love each other, and love others. Let the light of your love be the beacon that shows them the way to Zion.

And, as we journey through this new year, remember, God loves you and I love you too!

Be blessed,

Rev. Cain