The start of a new year always brings thoughts of new hope and the promises of change based on resolutions we make to ourselves. And then we often start the cycle of disappointment as we sometimes fail to maintain our new year's promises. This year, let's set a new type of resolution as a Conference.
Let's resolve:
1. To stay unified in our common focus on Jesus Christ, as we see Jesus prayed, "I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are." John 17:10b
2. To continue to tell the story of Jesus, just as the early disciples did and as we see John talk about in I John 1:1 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life." Let us also share our experiences with our friends, family and co-workers so we can bring more people to the saving grace found in Jesus Christ.
3. To hold fast to Jesus, no matter the circumstance as we see in I Corinthians 16:13-14. We are encouraged to "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love."
Blessings on you and your church this year in 2024.