January 1st, 2025
by Jon Welch
by Jon Welch
As we start a new year, I remember the Axiom: “Nothing changes until something changes.”
What will change this year?
I want a stronger marriage to my wife. I want a stronger relationship with my girls. I want to lead a healthier ministry. I want to be a healthier leader…. More than anything, I want a stronger relationship with the God who saved me.
Today, I begin a season of fasting. I am not simply watching what I eat but dedicating my eating/food prep times to the Lord. Today, for me, this is changing.
But my fast is not only with food.
We live in a world of distractions. My stomach distracts me from the Lord. So does my phone, my social media, my email, my computer... the list goes on and on.
Today, this changes.
In my reading this morning, I came across this prayer. It spoke to me, and I share it with you. As we pray this prayer together, the Lord strengthens our resolve to dedicate this year to him.
Will you pray this prayer with me?
Dear Lord,
I confess that I don’t know your Word as I should. I have allowed distractions to gobble up my time. I have prioritized other activities ahead of your Word. I have assumed I already know enough of the Bible to live the Christian life. I have used the excuse that I am too busy. I confess this all to you, Lord, and ask you to forgive me. I want to change, but I am wholly in need of your grace to do it. There are ingrained habits and patterns in my life that will not easily be set aside. But I am reminded today that when I submitted my life to you, I offered it all to you, including my time and energies. So, once again, I commit myself to your Lordship over my priorities. You are my life. I want to come to know you better each day as I read your holy Word.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
For me this month:
May 2025 be a new beginning!
- Jon
What will change this year?
I want a stronger marriage to my wife. I want a stronger relationship with my girls. I want to lead a healthier ministry. I want to be a healthier leader…. More than anything, I want a stronger relationship with the God who saved me.
Today, I begin a season of fasting. I am not simply watching what I eat but dedicating my eating/food prep times to the Lord. Today, for me, this is changing.
But my fast is not only with food.
We live in a world of distractions. My stomach distracts me from the Lord. So does my phone, my social media, my email, my computer... the list goes on and on.
Today, this changes.
In my reading this morning, I came across this prayer. It spoke to me, and I share it with you. As we pray this prayer together, the Lord strengthens our resolve to dedicate this year to him.
Will you pray this prayer with me?
Dear Lord,
I confess that I don’t know your Word as I should. I have allowed distractions to gobble up my time. I have prioritized other activities ahead of your Word. I have assumed I already know enough of the Bible to live the Christian life. I have used the excuse that I am too busy. I confess this all to you, Lord, and ask you to forgive me. I want to change, but I am wholly in need of your grace to do it. There are ingrained habits and patterns in my life that will not easily be set aside. But I am reminded today that when I submitted my life to you, I offered it all to you, including my time and energies. So, once again, I commit myself to your Lordship over my priorities. You are my life. I want to come to know you better each day as I read your holy Word.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
For me this month:
- I begin with a renewed Bible reading plan. ( If you need help finding one, you’re welcome to join me. Send me a message, and I’ll share with you what I am doing-)
- I begin this month fasting: find out more at www.leesburg.cc/fast (I’m doing a Daniel Fast)
- I am strongly limiting my social media (only posting for church reasons- not browsing newsfeeds or watching silly videos)
- I am strongly limiting my television. Only after reading my Bible and other readings will I watch)
May 2025 be a new beginning!
- Jon
Recent
Archive
2025
2024
January
What Is Prayer?AdorationConfessionThanksgivingSupplicationScripture Is The Word Of GodGod’s Word Guides UsGod’s Word Convicts UsGod’s Word Connects UsGod’s Word Encourages UsWhat Is Worship?Worship In Our WorkWorship In Our FamilySunday WorshipWorship Even When You Don't Want ToWhat is Fasting All About?Giving God Our Meal TimesEmptied of Ourselves and Filled with ChristFasting Develops FocusFood Is OverratedGod Is NOT In The FireJesus Sneaks OffWe Make Our Own Noise
February
We All Need SpaceGod Is Not Santa ClausWith Great Blessing Comes Great ResponsibilityCan Stewardship Be Scary?Filling the Need When We See ItIt's All His AnywayTime Is NOT On My SideWe Need Each OtherDevoted To The WordBreaking Bread TogetherGroup Conversations With GodFour Hands Are Better Than TwoLet’s Keep It SimpleOnly Take What You NeedSlow DownThe Great PurgeA Simple MessageGod’s Word Is A WeaponDo You Have A Game Plan?What You Remember Most Matters MostStart With the Basics
March
April
Sin Is RealDistraction Leads to Cover-UpWandering In DisobediencePride Comes Before the FallI Do What I HateThe Beauty of RedemptionRedemption Has A PriceWe Need To Claim Our PrizeYou Gotta Have FaithEven When You Look Like a Fool….God Will ProvideTrust the ProcessI Forgive YouGrace Is Free, But It Isn't CheapI Was Wrong, You Were RightThe Mob
May
No Comments