THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I can’t start the New Year without stopping to THANK YOU. You helped make 2018 our MOST IMPACTFUL YEAR of ministry ever!
God’s grace — working through your prayers and gifts — empowered our teams here and around the world to make an eternal difference in the lives of millions of people in the US, China and the Middle East.
I hope you’ll take a little time to listen to this month’s Coffee Break in the next couple days, and join me in celebrating all that God has done! I recount some amazing highlights of 2018 and also share how to prepare for 2019.
I believe it is imperative for us to “look back” and reflect on what God has done in order to strategically “look forward” and plan for the future. It is a new season for Theresa and me and for Living on the Edge. Maybe you are in a new season, too?
Recently, I was with a young pastor who asked me, “What’s the most important advice you can give me in order to fulfill God’s purpose in my life?” That question caused me to go digging into Scripture and what I found was a clear pattern.
What’s the MOST IMPORTANT THING we can do
when entering a new season in order to be successful?
See if you spot what I discovered…
Moses’ Final Warning to the Next Generation
He said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life.” – Deuteronomy 32:46-47 (NIV)
God’s Command to Joshua as the New Leader
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:7-8 (NIV)
David’s Testimony in Times of Adversity
“If Your Law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction…. Your Law is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:92, 105 (NASB)
Jesus’ Example in Launching His Ministry
After His baptism and the Father’s public declaration of His identity and mission, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tested by the Devil. Note His first reply to Satan’s offer:
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4 (NASB)
Jesus’ Preparation of His Disciples After His Resurrection
While Peter and the disciples huddled in a room, fearing for their lives, two followers were traveling the seven-mile trek to Emmaus. Jesus joined them, veiling His identity and asked what they were discussing. When they shared their “dashed hopes” that Jesus must not have been the Messiah because of the crucifixion, here’s what the text says:
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” – Luke 24:27 (NIV)
Do you see the pattern? Do you see the one thing that every one of these passages points to? If you want this year to be successful, fulfilling God’s highest and best purpose for your life, then go to God’s Word.
Make HIS WORD YOUR #1 PRIORITY in 2019!
Read it, study it, memorize key passages, listen to it, do a small group study, soak it in, breathe it out, let it take root in your soul. It will change your life! It will transform your thinking! It will give you courage, strength, and power for all that comes your way.
Let me help you. We’ve developed two new FREE Bible study resources to help you make His Word a priority. The card enclosed tells you exactly where to access them on our website. I also share more details on why we developed each of these tools in this month’s Coffee Break recording.
Thanks for your continued partnership through prayer and your financial support. Looking forward to another great year of ministry together in 2019!
Pressing Ahead Together,
Chip
CEO and Teaching Pastor,
Living on the Edge