“What’s in for 2019?” A valid question on everyone’s lips. Someone warned of a more “dangerous & volatile world”. Still, a New Year brings hope, new dreams, and opportunities for change. We all look forward to better days & peace on earth.

It’s everywhere. Listen to the sound of striving. Make happiness an end, and faith a means. A man is won over. It makes little difference what kind of worldly end he is pursuing. Good health, fianancial stability, or a happy family.

Apostle Paul wrote about the pursuit of Christ that surpasses everything. “I count all things to be loss in view of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) This passionate pursuit of Christ as treasure marked his life. Few people really want more of Him than anyone or thing on earth.

What then are the implications when we embrace Christ as treasure? We live holy lives; have holy desires, ambitions, purposes, plans and make holy relationships and alliances. Every aspect of life is an act of obedience to Him.

Remember Jesus definition of a true disciple. The 3 ‘must’. Deny self, take up the cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). A daily affair throughout 2019. Forsake self-aggrandizment, self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, self- ambition, self-indulgence. Cross-bearing entails suffering and pain. Follow Him at all costs.

Beware of the real danger of a divided heart. One that worship the Lord and also serve other ‘gods’ in accordance with the customs of the nations we’re in ( 2Kings 17:33). The apostle John admonished “… keep yourselves from idols.” 1John 5:21.

HCF will remain strong when God is on the throne of our lives and our Fellowship. Meetings, programs, activities won’t matter more than prayer,or time alone with Him. We labor on with God-given energy, which so powerfully works in us (Col 1: 29). We will perservere, endure hardships for His name sake and not grow weary.

Let 2019 be another year where Christ be magnified as we gaze at His glory and radiate His likeness for others to see as they come into our lives (2 Cor 3:18).

May His blessings be yours in abundance this New Year.

Dr Boey Mee Leng