According to the hymn, “And Can it Be” by Charles Wesley, we were once imprisoned, chained by sins. But Jesus Christ left His Father’s Throne above, came to die for us, the helpless race because of His loves for us.
Jesus broke the chains, and set us free. Our response? Arise and follow Him 💕
Being a leader isn’t a popularity contest. Oftentimes, the leader has to make tough decisions by basing on the big picture and personal convictions that this decision will best benefit everyone. And a real leader can’t please everyone.
A leader without respect from those under him/her isn’t really a leader at all (by title, yes, but that’s about it).
Respect is not given; respect has to be earned. Respect is earned by living with integrity and caring for others.
At this start of the New Year, many Methodist churches will be renewing their covenant using the covenant John Wesley wrote:
“Beloved in Christ,
let us again claim for ourselves
this covenant which God has made with his people,
and take upon us the yoke of Christ.
This means that we are content
that he appoint us our place and work,
and that he himself be our reward.
Christ has many services to be done:
some are easy, others are difficult;
some bring honour, others bring reproach;
some are suitable to our natural inclinations and material interests,
others are contrary to both;
At this start of the New Year, many churches will be renewing their covenant. Ponder these words from that service—
Beloved in Christ,
let us again claim for ourselves
this covenant which God has made with his people,
and take upon us the yoke of Christ.
This means that we are content
that he appoint us our place and work,
and that he himself be our reward.
Christ has many services to be done:
some are easy, others are difficult;
some bring honour, others bring reproach;
some are suitable to our natural inclinations and material interests,
others are contrary to both;
in some we may please Christ
and please ourselves;
in others we cannot please Christ except by denying
ourselves.
Yet the power to do all these things is given to us
in Christ, who strengthens us.
Therefore let us make this covenant of God our own.
Let us give ourselves to him,
trusting in his promises and relying on his grace.”
Have a blessed 2024, dear friends!