A Note from Todd Haymans
Happy Friday and Happy New Year!
When I think about Green Acres and all the ways God has blessed our church throughout the years, I can’t help but believe that the best is yet to come. I truly believe that our church takes Jesus’ greatest commandment to heart, which is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind … and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36–40) However, it is possible that some of us may tend to become distracted with the waves of life’s circumstances and the temptations that the world brings. Many things can cause us to take our eyes off Christ and instead focus on temporal things. I am praying that we maintain our focus on Jesus’ commandment to love God and love people as we enter this new year.
Mary, Jesus’ mother, gives us a simple reminder of the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus and remaining obedient. In John 2:5, she tells a group of servants to “do whatever he tells you.” Mary has a close relationship with her son, and she knows that following him is what’s best for all people.
In last week’s article, Pastor Michael gave a strong challenge for our church to be resolved in a few areas of our life for the new year. This is less about having a New Year’s resolution and more about walking in obedience with God’s people in our pursuit of Christ. Here are those areas again:
RESOLVE: I am going to read at least one chapter in the Bible daily and yearn to create more margin to read more as God allows.
RESOLVE: I am going to spend an unhurried amount of time of at least 15 minutes every day praying with a growing desire to expand my prayer time.
RESOLVE: I am going to only miss church if I am physically unable to attend with a growing desire to be with God’s people.
These are some tangible ways to abide in Christ. “Rhythms rule” is a saying that I have personally found to be true—meaning, a healthy disciple has healthy rhythms. However, unhealthy rhythms can lead to a disobedient lifestyle. Would you take a moment to consider your rhythms? What’s going well? What areas need to be reshaped or removed? Where should youseek repentance?
Your church loves you and desires to walk with you as you follow Jesus.
Upcoming Events:
Women, we want to invite you to our Winter Warm Up! It is a special time to get together with old friends and make some new ones as we hear from guest speaker Katie McCown and begin the new year together! Winter Warm Up will be January 23rd from 6:30-8:00pm in Crosswalk. Register here
If you are currently serving or interested in finding your spot to serve, join us for the Multiply Conference on January 28th at 4:00pm. This is a free event designed to inspire our leaders and give vision for 2024 as we Connect, Grow, and Multiply! Register here
Join us for a special Marriage Night filled with inspiration, laughter, and biblical community! Connect with other couples while you enjoy dinner and encouragement with pastor and comedian Ted Cunningham—there’s also a chance to win prizes! Registration is open from January 1st to February 4th. The cost is $40 per couple, which includes childcare. Don’t miss out on this memorable evening! Register here