“…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14.
God has blessed us to see the year 2011. To Him we give thanks and praise. We thank God for our pastor, church family, family and friends.
To all our readers, especially those who encourage us and pray for us as we continue to share the Word of God we pray that God will specially bless all of you. We thank God for the Management and Staff of Dominica News Online who boldly allow us to share the Word via this media and refuse to put us on a hidden back page. The Gospel is Good News and in the midst of all that is happening our God needs equal time.
Alive Word is now in its 11th year of spreading the Word of God around the world via the internet and we continue to declare that God’s Word will not return to Him void but will accomplish all that it is sent to do. To God we give all the glory.
Our encouragement to you as we begin the New Year is to keep looking forward and moving forward. For many, 2010 was a very rough and challenging year – a year where if they were to look back they would have to admit that it is only the grace and mercy of God that brought them through. God does not want any of us to keep looking back into 2010. The year 2010 is gone. It is over and as we embrace the New Year we must set our heads like a flint and move forward in the Lord.
We will never accomplish what God wants us to accomplish if we keep looking backward and complaining about the should have been, could have been, or would have been. Let it go! Thank God for bringing you through. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22
For those who are traditional, they have mentally made a long list of resolutions. The resolutions are from daily exercising, to not eating certain foods, to definitely leaving the adulterous woman/man, to not cursing, to going to church every Sunday/Saturday or getting closer to God.
The best decision any of us can make as we move forward is to seek a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and be determined to live His Word and walk in His ways as we are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Eleven is the number of disorder but we are not to focus on that. God has great things in store for His sons and daughters who take His directions and walk in obedience to Him. Following the leading of the Lord will cause us even in the midst of disorder to experience restoration, divine order and do great exploits for the Lord. God is faithful, even more so, God is more than able. Thank you Jesus!
We will be faced with challenges but we have to keep fighting the good fight of faith and hold fast to the promises of God. We have to press forward; for many things will come in our path to distract us and cause us lose focus. We are in a race and we have to run it with patience; not depending on people nor our own selves but depending on Jesus Christ. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 We must be confident in God, knowing that no matter what comes our way as Christians, it must first pass through His hands. In the midst of life, always remember that God never gives us more than we can bear and He is always with us and has our best interest at heart. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Take this year one moment at a time. Seek God’s guidance and directions for each day, regardless of how small the matter. Do not trust in your own wisdom or understanding. Even when things do not seem to make sense, trust God. Say like the Psalmist David in Psalm 121:1-2 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”
May God grant you the strength to keep looking unto Him, no matter what and walking in the path that will lead you to your divine destiny. Have a glorious, Holy Spirit filled and led 2011; blessings always.
Thank you Sister and Brother Richardson. I always look forward to your column. It has indeed strengthened me in times of weakness. Continue the good work.
As I say to everyone – I wish you Jesus – Grow stronger in him – trusting him and walking in obedience and all the other good things will be added unto you. OH! what a package for 2011.
Admin how often does this column come thru?
ADMIN
Mondays and Fridays
Great word. keep it up.
“Eleven is the number of disorder but we are not to focus on that.” I rebuke that in Jesus name. If I even think of disorder in my spirit then I have failed. I am so disheartened to read your sermon this week for I have to stay positive. Watch what you put in people’s spirit. That sentence made negative everythng you said thereafter. I never knew that eleven meant disorder, now you have made me start looking for disorder in my life instead of blessings and God’s unmerited favor. I could do without that today, this is not exhortation to theologians but to people waiting for hope, I admonish you to keep the message positive at all times.
2011 is God’s number and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am standing on the promises of God. There is no disorder with God.
Lord remove that sentence out of my spirit and restore me with hope in you for this new year. Amen
Don’t take it too badly – Saying that 11 is a number of disorder does not call it into your life. You are being taught the meaning of numbers. For example 7 is the number of completion and there are other numbers and they all have meanings. What you should take from this message is that you will see a lot of confusion (there were so much in 2010) around you but do not be dismayed when you see those things. A lot of things will still happen around us since prophesy has to be fulfilled but persons have to take the right track to be in the correct mind setting – the mind of Christ. People all over the World are Rebellious and unthankful (they have no regard for the Creator farless for their fellowmen) and if you read your bible, you will see that when persons disobeyed – Our Father always sent his prophet to tell and warn them that what they were doing were wrong and that they should repent but many di not take heed and alas what happenned in many instances – destruction.
So please walk in obedience Anonymous and develop a relationship with the Father. Do not be afraid of numbers once you walk in obedience and you recognise him as the Great I am and the Creator. Then you do not have to be afraid of what is happenning around you. You will see signs and wonders as well.
Anonymous, I also wish you a spirit filled and A Heavenly Father filled New year. Grow with our Father and you will receive all the other goodies attached for 2011. Oh! What a package! I wish you all the best.
I understand what you are saying. I cannot tell you how many times I have felt annoyed by the certain phrases some preachers, pastors, or a speaker of the Word of God speaks. But I have learned to understand the human nature in us.
A speaker of the Word of God once said to my church that “it is not easy to pin down what faith really is.” Can you believe that? I wondered by what wisdom was he preaching the Word of God if he did not know what faith was. From that minute I did not care what he said, because I knew that he was just speaking things of his human wisdom. Speaking the Word of God is one thing; but speaking by the authority and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit is the most important thing.
The human nature is fallible, and unfortunately our mind goes along with it before we have the time to reconsider our thoughts, our words, and our actions. That is the reason why Jesus demands that we forgive each other. For as we forgive each other, God will forgive us.
But it is okay to express your feelings publicly. Truly, there is no disorder in God. I do not know myself, why the Richardsons chose that phrase, to speak God’s Word. I have never heard that before either.
It was a joy to read. Thank you