Another year has gone by. Often times when this happens we are quick to realize how fast times goes. We think it was just yesterday that this year began. I have always been told this goes faster and faster as you get older. Life seems to pick up the pace as more responsibility is added to your schedule. However, I want to offer a different perspective. This is not a new perspective, nor is it something that many of you wouldn’t think about on your own. However, I want us to realize that as another year has now passed we have experienced another year of grace and mercy. God has proved faithful in numerous ways to each one of us throughout 2011. We should truly be grateful for such provision.

During this past year many of us have dealt with some difficult situations. When we think of individuals we should quickly realize some have lost jobs, some have lost loved ones, some have moved away, some have gone through difficult family situations, many have faced surgeries of various kinds, and probably hundreds of other things. Through all of these things God still proves to be God and He still proves to be faithful. It truly has been a wonderful year of grace in the midst of some difficult times.

During this past year we also have had much to rejoice in by God’s provision. We have seen babies born within our congregation; we have seen several new members added to our faith family; we have seen God work and move in ways that only He can; we have seen His hand working to heal, sometimes through a merciful touch and sometimes through doctors and nurses; and we have seen a thousand daily graces from His loving hand. We ought to indeed rejoice in these things. God has proven to be God and He has proven to be faithful.

We now, by God’s grace, begin another year together. When a new year begins people often take time to reflect and make goals for the year. I want to challenge us with a goal this year. Actually, the goal I want to challenge us with for this year is a goal that I want to challenge us with for life. Beyond this, the goal I want to challenge us with is a goal of every Christian, so it’s really nothing new. However, it’s easy to drift away from this over time as we get busy and add responsibilities to our lives. So what’s the goal?

The goal is to be intentional about making this year a year of radical faith. This is a simple declaration, but a much more difficult application. This takes intentionality because it doesn’t come naturally. We need to be “built up in Him and established in the faith” (Colossians 2:7). In fact, we will spend a sermon or two (or three!) in this text as we begin 2012 together. There is intentionality here, which I hope to show from these sermons. The first one will be on Sunday a.m., January 1, 2012.

There are several practical ways that we can be established in the faith, but here are a few I’ll mention:

Read the Bible and pray daily

Memorize helpful Scriptures that you can use to grow in faith

Gather with the church regularly where you can sit under the teaching and preaching of God’s Word

Join a smaller group of believers (Sunday School would be an excellent place for this) where you can be cared for and prayed for on a regular basis

Find a couple of others who love you and will hold you accountable in your walk with Christ

Get involved in ministries and outreaches that help and serve others

Find a way to be involved in missions

These are just a few ways. I am very thankful that God has allowed me to pastor this church. I look forward to what He may do in and through us in 2012. He has proven faithful time and again and I am convinced that He will continue to do so unto the end. May we truly seek to know Christ and to make Him known!

For the glory of His name,

Pastor Randy

Be intentional.

Make this a year of radical faith.

Pastor Randy & Family