LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH “MESSENGER” JANUARY 2025
VERNON ST / CHURCH ST . LEIGH. WN7 1BH
Website :www.leighbaptistchurch.org.uk Contact: admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk
Pastoral Leader – Val Hulme ( Days Off Tuesdays and Fridays)
email : pastoral.leader@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk TEL 07817142192
Check LBC website for updates and info also LBC FACEBOOK page
“Starting the New Year with God.”
New Year is a time when many people hope to make positive changes in their lives. As believers we have the added blessing of beginning the upcoming year with God at our side.
Trusting in His Plans: As we step into a New Year we must recognise that God has a purpose and a plan for each of our lives. We may not know what lies ahead but we can trust that God is orchestrating everything for our good. The Bible reminds us in Jeremiah 29.11 “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Seeking His Wisdom: To align ourselves with God’s plans, we must seek His wisdom and understanding. The book of Proverbs says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to Him , and He will make your paths straight.”
Prioritising Prayer: The most effective way to start the coming year with God is by prioritising prayer. Prayer is our direct line of communication with our Heavenly Father and allows us to seek His guidance. Matthew 6.6 says “when you pray, go into your room and close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen.”
Immersing in His Word: The Bible is the living and inspired Word of God and serves as our guide and source of wisdom. Psalm119 declares “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Immerse yourself in God’s Word and let it shape your journey in the New Year.
Stepping out in Faith: It is crucial to step out in faith and trust that He will provide for your needs. Hebrews 11.1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Walking in faith means surrendering our doubts to God and allowing Him to work miracles in our lives.
Practicing Obedience: Alongside faith, obedience plays a significant role in our relationship with God. In John 14.15, Jesus says “if you love me, keep my commands.” Obedience is an expression of our love for God.
As we embark on a New Year let us remember the importance of starting it with God. The journey may have twists and turns, but with God at our side, we can be confident that He will lead us into a future filled with hope and purpose. Let’s start the New Year with God and embrace His plans for our lives. Acknowledgement ©Bibilium.com
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sun 5th January 10.45am Worship Service Val Hulme
Sun 12th January 10.45am Open Service
Sun 19th January 10.45am Worship service with Church & Congregation Meeting – Revd N Brighton
Sun 26th January 10.45am Covenant & Communion Service Val Hulme
Wednesdays throughout January 10-11am Prayer Meeting . 9.45am Coffee and chat
Wed 8th January 11.15am Deacons’ Meeting
Thu 30th January Strategy Group Meeting
Other Users of the Building:
Tue 7th January 7pm ASGAS planning meeting
Wednesdays 7.30pm All Singers Great and Small Community Choir
Thursdays 10am-12pm Atherton and Leigh Foodbank
Another year I enter
Its history unknown;
Oh, how my feet would tremble
To tread its paths alone!
But I have heard a whisper,
I know I shall be blest;
"My presence shall go with thee,
And I will give thee rest."
What will the New Year bring me?
I may not, must not know;
Will it be love and rapture,
Or loneliness and woe?
Hush! Hush! I hear his whisper;
I surely shall be blest;
"My presence shall go with thee,
And I will give thee rest."
Author Unknown