Dear Brethren, it is by God's mercies that He has brought us safely into the year 2022. We must humbly and gratefully give our numerous thanks to the Lord for His goodness and sustaining grace in the challenging year 2021. After the breakout of Covid 19 in 2020, life has been very challenging. Some had extremely difficult circumstances with joblessness and sickness to deal with.  Now, as we look forward to the New Year, there is growing fear and scepticism even among many believers. What will the new year 2022 be like? While we do not know what this New Year holds for us, one thing we do know - God holds all our tomorrows. Come what may, we know that our Sovereign God is in absolute control over all things. He is Sovereign, and nothing will happen without His knowledge and permission. More importantly for us, we also know that whatever happens to His children is His good plan for us. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Let us, by faith, believe in the good plan that God has for us.  Situations may change for better or worse, but God and His promises to us remain unchanged. Whether it rains, shines, or storms, we must continue to trust in God and serve him wholeheartedly. He is faithful and will see us through 2022.

With eyes of faith, we can praise and give thanks to God who ushers in the New Year with more privileges and opportunities to glorify and serve Him. How can we serve and love Him?

Let us seek first Christ and His Kingdom. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). Do not merely pursue a good life but rather seek after a good God. We have God's promise that He will provide for our every need if we continue to put Him first. Don't worry about the future and life's uncertainties. He will take care of you as you pray as the Psalmist did, "When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek" (Psalm 27:8). Are we not easily distracted by the things of the world – material possessions, riches, position, popularity, hobbies, etc. that we easily stray from God and sin against Him? When our hearts are enamoured of these things at the expense of pursuing God, we have committed the sin of idolatry. Anything or anyone who is cherished more than God is an idol.  As we begin a new year, let us not forget that we belong to God. He has bought us with the price of the precious blood of Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. We have received forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. Therefore, we must show our love and gratitude to God by putting Him first in our lives.

What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God? It is walking in obedience to His Word. The righteousness of God speaks of His holy character. Our God being holy we, as His children made righteous through Christ, are required to obey His Word and live holy lives that reflect His character. “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (I Peter 1:14-16).  Let us in humility repent of our sins and give ourselves in total surrender to God that He may be pleased with us as we become more like our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. We owe our lives to our gracious and loving Heavenly Father to put Him and His Kingdom first.

With what kind of mindset do we walk in obedience as we seek first His Kingdom? We serve Him for His glory. Do we not have the tendency to serve God on our own terms at our convenience instead of doing everything on God's terms? Let us continue to love God and serve Him faithfully. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer" (Romans 12:11-12).  Endeavour to occupy ourselves in the work of the Lord, for there is plenty we can do for Him this New Year. Serve God with a glad heart. Let us not hold back but give wholeheartedly of ourselves to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Brethren, in Christian service, we need to think not of ourselves but of others. We need to be encouragers in our road to heaven. One good look at the word encouragement, and you will see the word "courage" right in the middle of it. The word 'encouragement' literally means to help someone find courage. We all need encouragement in Christian service. Sometimes pastors, leaders and those serving actively are the hardest hit by constant criticism leading to discouragement. Yet, our words have a significant impact on one another and our ministry. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).

God wants us to be encouragers. But Satan, the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10), goes about like a roaring lion, hoping to tear us down and bring the worst out of us. Our safeguard against Satan's ploy is encouraging one another. Paul gave a good guideline for us in Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." This means we need to speak only gracious words, kind words, loving words, true words, thoughtful words, sensitive words, edifying words, gentle words, comforting words, words of blessing, words of humility, words of wisdom, and words of thanksgiving. 

What have you done to encourage someone lately? In God's word, we are told to build up, lift, exhort and encourage one another. One of my favourite passages of Scripture in this regard is Hebrews 3:13, where the writer tells us, "But exhort (encourage) one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Please reread it. When we fail to encourage others daily, discouragement will bring us closer to the temptation of sin – to give up on one's commitment to the Lord. But our encouragement in the Lord helps others and us keep motivated for the Lord and His ministry. Therefore, it is our responsibility to encourage others. 

We serve Christ and His kingdom when we also reach out to others outside our church with His love. The statement in Matthew 9:37, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few", is true today. In the area of reaching out to people, God has entrusted and commanded His people to preach and teach His word to a lost world. What then must we do? Let us all pray to the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into the fields white for harvest. Let us also be good and faithful witnesses for Christ right where we are, that we may win souls for Christ. Opportunities abound everywhere for us to make known the Gospel of Salvation to one and all. Start with your unsaved loved ones and friends.

Occupy with Christ in the year 2022. We wish each of you a God-blessed and Christ-filled New Year 2022.

Rev Mathews Abraham

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