We can emphatically state 2020 did not turn out like any of us planned but it did turn out exactly as God planned with his purposes in mind. As Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” We can now look forward to 2021 and focus on discovering the purposes God has for us. The calendar gives us a new opportunity to focus our hearts and minds on the mission God has given us.
In Genesis 1:14 God stated, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and year." A season or year has now concluded. We can put the past where it belongs, in the past. There's only one moment for us to live, and that is the present moment in the present month and present year. None of us ever know what the future holds but we can take the lessons we have learned from the past and apply them to our daily living. We can look to God’s faithfulness and trust in his promises for the future.
Frances Ridley Havergal penned these poetic words that were later incorporated into a hymn,
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven, another year for Thee.
As we begin a new year, we are a church positioned exactly where God wants us to be to further impact Canton, Ohio for His Kingdom. The truth of Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. One might say we are a church experiencing difficulties as we grow in full devotion to Christ. Yes, the last year has been a painful and tough year for every church and every Christian. I am thankful that God has given us the ability to adapt and the strength to persevere and thrive. What we do now is take one step forward in obedience to God’s call to follow Christ and rediscover our purpose. I want to ask you to “Be The One In 2021.” This will be our theme of motivation.
There is power, a lot of power, in one. The apostle Paul points out in Ephesians 4, ““For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” God desires unity within the body, and he wants each person to do their part in guarding it, maintaining it, working to develop it, because there is only one body. I am asking that each of us step up to be one as God gives us new opportunities in the new year.
We will be planning for a new start, a fresh start for Full Devotion—FBC. Many of the hopes and aspirations we had envisioned for the church last year will once again be at the forefront of our minds. I am asking you to “Be The One” and to begin I am asking you to step up and join together in prayer. Let us journey together for 21 days of prayer, January 4-24. You will find a page in this newsletter with our prayer guide including topics and scripture readings. I will also be sharing daily reminders within our social media platforms. Spend a few minutes each day in prayer.
As we expect to resume a more normal state of living in 2021, I will be sharing many other challenges asking you to “Be The One” to help our church rebuild. May we be of one heart and one mind as we embrace the future God has in store for us. A future of promise and possibilities!
Pastor Kevin
