2020 Reflection

A Blessed and Christ-filled Christmas to all and a Spirit dominated New Year.

We have come to the end of what was a year that we greatly anticipated given its numerical significance and promises.

For many we may say that, it did not live up to our expectations; because it did not deliver the material and physical benefits that we all looked forward to. Its pains and uncertainties were more than any of us must have experienced in our lifetimes.

We can all engage our default settings and contribute the state of affairs to the global pandemic, but I want to adjust our focus to the God of the universe who is sovereign and in full control of all things.

There is a true saying that what He does not hinder He allows.

I challenge us therefore, to look through the details of this year and we would see the working of the Hand of God. In our individual lives, the fact that we are listening to this means that we are alive and have either been healed or shielded from the Covid-19. So, we are blessed with life.

Nationally, we can thank God that the devastating effects of the pandemic which has taken many lives were restrained on our nation and region. But most of all, it is a year where God taught us to *Wait* on Him and to *return* to Him in *true service* to others and in worship.

Challenge

Use the momentum from this year to press into 2021, to serve God in a much more committed manner and see the needs of others in a much more concerned way.

Focus

We look forward in great anticipation, knowing that the Faithful God who took us through 2020 will do the same through 2021.

Note: View upcoming events at the end of the video.

Who Is He To You?

Isaiah 9:6 NKJV tells us:

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

In human nature, it is natural for parents or families to give each child a name. Names are given as a form of identification; the first description given in any case is the child's name. Some names are even given to classify who they are. For example, the Royal Family. In our opening verse the Child was also given names of description and classification, even before physical birth. In carefully reading, those names described His uniqueness and gave light about His Lordship.

Note:

Unlike ordinary names, Power and Authority were added to His names.

Philippians 2:9 NKJV says:

"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name"

His name is Jesus and He carries over 100 different titles that are fitting for every situation you and I can face as children of God. He is the Bread of life. The King of Kings, our Great Intercessor, He is The Living Word.

So, who is He to You?

• Do you need provision? He is Provider.

• Do you need counsel or Godly wisdom? He is Counsellor.

• Do you need healing? He is Healer. Jesus is your All in all...

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, Your Name is above ever name. Your name has power to heal and deliver. Thank You for this opportunity to call Your name and see great things happen in my life and in the lives of Your people. In Jesus name I pray with thanksgiving. Amen.

Today's Bible Reading:

Luke 1:31-33 NKJV "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Devotional by: Necole Cummins

Give Thanks

Word

Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV says "It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night."

In these hard economical times many people have experienced the loss of jobs, homes, assets and most touching, family members.

Many are crying out and some have grown cold and miserable. But how about the people who know their God? Have you been crying out as well? What is your posture in these times?

Are you being thankful in all things?

Recently I shared a dream with a family member and he responded "please dream that I win the lottery." It was funny but still a concern. My response to him was to be thankful to God in all things.

The world today is designed for people to look higher than they can climb and become sightless to the many blessings already provided. Some might say "I am thankful" but is it really thankfulness or, in contrast, saying " I wish I had more!"

Have you lost a job in this time? Have you had a salary cut? Did you lose a home? Whatever your concerns may be, your ultimate Provider is still on the throne. His name is Jesus. Has He not been doing it in the past? What can stop Him now? He wants to do it even more in this season. Being thankful in all things and in all situations is His requirement of us.

Word

Philippians 4:19 NKJV says: "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Reminder:

Do not bow down to what you can see, lift all your needs to Him. He is available in every way you can think of.

Therefore, do not be shaken by situations because God is surely not shaken. Do not allow them to weigh you down. Look at the many ways you can see His mighty hand in your life. God is honoured when we are thankful. Wait for it, He will never be late.

Prayer:

Dear loving faithful God, thank You for supplying all my need according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Help me to always be mindful of Your provision, giving thanks in all things that even when I don't have what I think I need my heart is ever grateful to You because You are faithful. Help me to always see Your mighty hand at work in my life in Jesus’ name I pray, with thanksgiving. Amen.

Word

Mathew 6:25-26 NKJV says “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

Devotional by: Necole Cummins