For A Good Walk Through 2024

As the world celebrates the new year in different ways, JCC has a lot to be proud of the way we closed out 2023 actively spreading cheer through many events, big and small. Our English, Chinese, and Dialect groups worked together to share the good news of Christmas and forge the spirit of community with our neighbours as we ushered in 2024 as a new season of blessings for all.

2023 was filled with sweet triumphs and bitter challenges. Yet, through it all, our hearts overflowed with thanksgiving and gratitude for God’s unwavering love and boundless grace.

How will we carry our mission, the burning torch of saving lives, into 2024? Will we claim the new year as a time of divine favour for ourselves, our families, and JCC as a whole?

Here are 3 questions for you:

1. Inner Compass: What mindset will you navigate the unfolding chapter of your life with?
2. Anchored Trust: Where will you place your faith?
3. Active Role: What proactive steps will you take to use your participation as a key to unlocking the potential of the year?

These questions invite introspection and empower you to actively shape your 2024, making it a year of intentional growth with purposeful action.

Unwavering Faith, Transformative Growth

Let us unite, fuelled by our “Go Deep in Discipleship” theme, and make 2024 a year of unwavering faith and transformative growth!

In 2 Corinthians 5:11-17, Paul proclaims a powerful message: for those united with Christ, the old life is entirely eclipsed by a brand new one.

Paul’s message isn’t about a theoretical change. The old life, characterized by sin and separation from God, is truly gone for those in Christ. This new reality has practical implications. As Christ’s ambassadors, we are called to live differently, reflecting his love and reconciliation in our words and actions. We become agents of renewal, spreading the transformative power of Christ’s message to a world in need.

Do we step into the new year as doubting pre-believers, or as empowered ambassadors of Christ, ready to claim the blessings that await?

Each year brings the promise of renewal and hope. Let us discard unhealthy old habits and hang-ups as we actively cultivate faith and receptivity to receive new blessings.

Mindset Matters: Shaping Your Year Beyond Resolutions

Here is an interesting story:

Clara came into the bathroom to see her husband Edgar on the weighing scale with his stomach sucked in. She told him that sucking in his stomach would not make it better. He said that it would, because if he didn’t, he couldn’t read the numbers.

Clara rolled her eyes, a fond smile tugging at her lips, “Resolutions, hmm? We make them year after year, these grand pronouncements of ‘I quit this’ and ‘I’ll start that’, like mantras against the tide of inertia.”

Edgar winced, the memory of forgotten gym memberships and untouched workout equipment stinging his conscience. “Exactly! Like magic spells uttered in the face of a looming new year, only to fizzle out faster than a sparkler on bonfire night.”

The story centres around a couple reflecting on the fleeting nature of New Year’s resolutions. Clara observes Edgar trying to cheat the scale and uses it as a springboard to talk about how grand promises of change often evaporate quickly. Edgar’s past failures confirm her view, comparing resolutions to fizzling sparklers that lose their shine fast. The message is clear: New Year’s resolutions, despite their initial vigour, often struggle to withstand the test of time.

While circumstances play a role, our approach and mindset have a significant impact on shaping the year ahead. Embracing a positive outlook and actively working towards our goals can set us on a path of fulfilment, regardless of external factors.

Redeemed and Renewed for 2024 

So, how do we embrace 2024?

1. Live in Christ, Not Just Know Him: As Paul declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he [she] is a new creation.” This is not a mere acquaintance; it’s an intimate, transformative union. It’s surrendering our wills to His, walking in His footsteps, and letting His light shine through us.
2. Leave the Old Adam Behind: Like a chrysalis shedding its constrictive shell, we are called to leave behind the burdens of resentment, worry, and past failures. These are vestiges of the “old Adam,” and in Christ, we have the power to step into the new life He offers.
3. Embrace the Redemptive Process: As we pray, let us truly surrender, not just for temporary relief, but for lasting change. Continually ask God to remove harmful habits and then actively choose to leave them behind, allowing His transformative power to work within us.

The Bible reminds us, “Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Seeking God’s will is about aligning our hearts and minds with His principles. Ask yourself:

• Are my actions guided by love, kindness, and compassion, as Jesus preached?
• Am I making space for prayer and quiet reflection, allowing God to speak to my heart?
• Do my choices reflect gratitude for God’s blessings and trust in His plan?

Remember, God promises to guide those who seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

Rev Anthony Loh