Blessed New Year 2014!

The message on the last Sunday of 2013 was on being empowered by God for 2014.  It was delivered by Dr Paul Ang.  I thought it was a timely message for the new year.  In summary, there are three points:
1.  Release the past to God - Joseph had a difficult past where he was ostracized by his brothers, thrown into the pit and then into prison before moving on into the palace.  God caused him to forget the past (Gen 41:51) and often times, there is a redemptive purpose for the unpleasant things that happen in our lives (Gen 50:20).

2. Maximise your presence - use whatever gift(s) God has bestowed on you for the good of others.  Joseph used his interpretative gift for good, which eventually elevated him to become the second in command in Egypt.  We have to sanctify ourselves, just like Joseph did, by not allowing temptations to have a grip on us. God is certainly a rewarder of those who seek after Him (Heb 11:6).

3. Believe God for a great future - the best is yet to be.  The prophet Haggai prophesied that the latter glory of God's house shall be greater than the former.  Indeed, with God all things are possible and all things are possible to them that believe.

The Bible tells us that love keeps no record of wrong (1 Cor 13:5).  This means we have to forgive the people who may have hurt us in 2013.  As we do so, we set ourselves free to journey into the new year unencumbered with any excess luggage.  We can then worship and serve God with a whole heart like David did when he confessed his sins to God (of adultery and murder).  God is not only interested in our service for Him in the new year but also the fruits we are to bear for Him - both of our own character and souls saved. Use the gifts and talents God has given to draw people closer to Him.  Where there are challenges ahead, believe that God can turn things around and cause things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).  Love never fails and God is love!

Wishing you a blessed 2014!