N E W Y E A R in Focus! This year will be tough and rough, harsh and hard; and very challenging for many. But the good news is, in the midst of these, we shall see the rainbow of God’s mercy, faithfulness, power and love in display. This is not a new word. It is a reminder to those who are the students of the Bible. We are in the age of perilous time (2 Timothy 3:1-17); lawlessness (2 Thess 2:1-17); and a time that iniquity is abounding and love of many is waxing cold fast (Mt 24:1-14). If you are good in mathematical calculation and have the wisdom that can reduce the above expression into figures, what do you think would be the scale or magnitude, or percentage of difficulties, hardship, wickedness, or evil that we shall be dealing with? So I pray that as the evil one seeks to carry out his evil and merciless actions in this year; may God brace and oil your heart with His grace and power. May his presence be your defence, comfort, peace and joy. And may his power guide and guard you through the shadows of death, deserts, mountains and jungles of life. May you arise and shine now that the glory of God is risen upon you. This is the best time in the history of the world to practice Christian faith. May God take you deeper, higher, wider and stronger in his LOVE-adventure this year.

Whatever may be the fiery darts of Satan against your life in this New Year, I would like to proclaim God’s faithfulness, victory, mercies and love over you. I proclaim that this is another year to work and wait patiently; to progress in praise, worship and thanksgiving to God. It is another year to prove and celebrate the presence of God in our lives daily. This is another year to be dressed in his mercies, faithfulness, love, power and grace. It is another year to see the shield of faith at its best as we lean upon the loving chest and feast on the milk of his breast. This is another year to step into the quiet experience of leaning upon the everlasting arms of the God who never sleeps nor slumbers.

This is another year of eternal priority, a year of faithful service, loving witness, holy living, fruitful ministry and training in righteousness. It is another year to be a missionary, an ambassador of Christ among the nations; to triumph over temptations, trials; and to be seated with Christ far above principalities and powers. Yes, this is another year to make the King of kings and the Lord of lords glad by advancing his kingdom among the nations. Another year to prepare for the rapture and great gathering of the saints above.

My fellow True Disciples, I think we should begin the year on the Last things. Hear what Jesus said about his second coming: “Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.” “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Rev 22:11-13). May God prepare your heart and mind to meet with Jesus. May His coming never take you by surprise. I thank God for the gift of another year. Lord, help me to seize the opportunities there abound in this New Year. May I occupy for you and abide in Your presence. Have a blessed New Year my lovely friends. Maranatha! Maranatha!!