A New Year, A New You

3 John 2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for New Liberty, Love Christian Center and myself is above all things that we may prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper.

This year has been filled with emotional ups and downs. Sometimes the downs were so devastating I wasn’t sure if I could hold on to get back to the ups. But what I did know, the thing that I held on to was that the ups were coming, no matter how low the downs got.

I knew the sun would continue to rise and so with it, did my hope. With every sunrise came the promise of a brand new day, with its new beginnings and new activities and the new mercies of God.

I experienced emotions, that even in 60 years of living, I had never experienced before. Some good, some not so good. But they were mine, to face, to deal with, and to conquer. To discover that I was the overcomer God promised I was.

I had to study and meditate and read and listen to the Word of God again and again, until it was the first thing on my mind and not the last resort.

My heart’s desire is that above all things; concerning all things; in all respects, in the year 2023, that we may prosper…

What does it mean to prosper? Merriam Webster defines it as, to succeed in an activity or enterprise, to become strong and flourishing.

I wish above all things that we would succeed in our individual ministries. But to succeed in your individual ministry, you must first know what that is. Then you must study to know what aspect of that ministry you have been called to. Then you must pray to learn how the ministry you’ve been called to fits into the vision God has given your pastor for the church you are a part of.

To succeed in the activity or enterprise of a church, you must not only understand, but you must accept that it’s not about you, your wishes or your desires. When you’re a part of a ministry, it’s now about the mission of the house.

I wish above all things that our church ministries would succeed. That the able bodied people of God would leave bedside baptist and return to the house of God where the real work and ministry is taking place.

Yes you can get the Word of God any where and it is so convenient to listen at home, at your leisure, but here’s the thing, how are you succeeding in your ministry if no one is being edified by your gifts and talents? Who is being blessed when you stay home?Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper.

I wish above all things that the household of faith would succeed. I’m referring to the collective Kingdom of God. You see too many pastors want to lay claim to individuals as if the church they pastor is the life long church of every person who comes through the doors and down the aisle.

We must realize we are all working for the same team, or at least we should be. Our goal should be to increase the Kingdom of God, whether the person stays with us or not. We are to teach them how to prosper and if the Lord say so, wish them well as they move to the next portion of their journey. Wish for them that above all things that they may prosper for the sake of the Kingdom.

Not only do I wish for us to prosper, I wish for us to be in good health. Good health is vital to succeed in ministry. Good health is vital for us to do well what God has called us to do.

When you’re body is tired, out of shape and over weight, it is impossible for you to function at maximum efficiency.

Exercise and get the proper amount of sleep. Yes this body is temporary, but while you have it, take care of it, make sure it is strong, so you can take care of the things of God.

Eat healthy meals, avoid too many sweets and too much salt, turn the plate down sometimes. Jesus told the disciples when they failed to cast the deaf and dumb spirit out of the boy, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face. Do it in secret and God who sees in secret will reward you openly. You never know when you’ll have to deal with that kind of spirit so make fasting and prayer a regular part of your routine.

And finally, when you take care of the things of God, your soul can flourish, it can develop into a useful tool for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

When your soul flourishes, you can without a doubt know who you are in Christ.

When your soul flourishes, you will praise God knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that his works are marvellous.

When your soul flourishes, you will recognize that you are chosen by God.

When your soul flourishes, you can rooted and grounded in love.

When your soul flourishes, you can be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

When your soul flourishes, you are strengthened with might by God’s Spirit.

Beloved, in the year 2023, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

God bless you and happy new year.