William Carey – “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God!” I wonder this morning what it is that we’re expecting and attempting that’s bigger than we are? I reminded someone this week the only reason the widow’s oil ended was because of the number of pots that she gathered. Maybe we’re not gathering enough pots!

This first Sunday of 2026, are we ready?   Eccl. 3:1. ‘To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.’

May we be centered this Christmas in the person of peace, and not simply wish for the circumstances of peace!

“My sons, do not now be negligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to be his ministers and make offerings to him.” – 2 Chronicles 29:11

“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” – Isaiah‬ ‭66‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV

"...for apart from me you can do nothing."  Today and this week let’s lean on Jesus to accomplish what is to be done in His name!

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” – Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭42‬-‭45‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.  -- James 5:16 ESV

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 ESV  “2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, ... ” What would your life be like if you viewed people from this perspective?