New Years Day message

As 2021 begins the Lord has reminded me of His promise in Exodus 33:14,
“My presence will go with you.” I received a few Christmas PRESENTS but God’s PRESENCE is always the greatest gift. Shirley and I have greatly missed the gift of Christian “in person” fellowship with you all and having services at Woodland in this new year is uncertain at this time but we still can be solidly certain that God loves us and is watching over us
(Nahum 1:7).
Moving into the new year with the Covid-19 pandemic surging across the globe compounded by all of our individual health issues and concerns it’s very important to realize we are not alone. Our God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth (Psalm 124:8) is with us and will help us. Have you accepted the companionship God offers? The Lord Jesus, Emmanuel=God With Us invites us,”Come to Me… I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). When we believe in Him for our salvation and receive Him into our hearts through contrite prayer, His presence indwells us and infuses us with Heavenly power. With the Lord Jesus’ presence filling us through His Holy Spirit great joy that cannot be explained in earthly terms (Psalm 16:11) floods our being.
We don’t have to look forward into 2021 with apprehension and fear for,
“We know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love
Him…according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Will you trust the Word of the Lord that says, “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of
dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:18)?
Even in a pandemic with restricted mobility there are still
opportunities for those of us who love Jesus to carry His Light. God gives
us all worthwhile labour measured to our individual skill and designed
expressly for us (Ephesians 2:10). Can you think? You can pray. Can you
talk? You can give someone an encouraging call. Has God blessed you? You can open your hands to those in need. Our Saviour calls us to rise above the casual level of heedless living. Through Christ I would love to be an agent of God’s grace to help impart new life to a new friend in the new year! We need to look to and rely on our Saviour. TRUST IS A MUST
(Proverbs 3:5,6).
LET FAITH STAND FIRM
Let faith stand firm, the times are insecure
And God’s great purpose is not always plain
Signs are confused, man’s destiny obscure
And loss it seems will always balance gain.
THEN NURTURE FAITH AND IN ITS NURTURE FIND
THE WILL TO WALK THE WAY THE MASTER TROD,
AND IN THE KINSHIP WITH HIS MIND
FULFILL YOUR MISSION IN THE PLAN OF GOD
As people belonging to God, let’s remember in 2021, to continue to
declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His
wonderful Light(1st Peter 2:9). Our prayers are with you.
Please call if you need someone to talk to or pray with. 705 300 5583

You are loved,
Currie (& Shirley) Phillips