Frankly Speaking
 
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" Mark 8:34-36

These tough words of Jesus were not only directed at His disciples two millennia ago, they are aimed at us if we truly desire to be His disciples today. Denying our own agenda and stepping out of our comfort zone is a prerequisite to being a disciple (follower) of Christ. A true disciple understands that his life is no longer his own. Our friend Scott Windrum says it best, "The difference between a believer and a disciple is that Jesus gave His life for the believer, but the disciple will give his life for Jesus." Being a believer costs you very little, but being a disciple comes with a great cost. That's why the world is full of believers, but true disciples of Christ are few. Don't let these words discourage you, but inspire you. The rewards of following Christ far outweigh the costs.  
    
"Religion that costs nothing is worth nothing. There are no spiritual gains without pains." J.C. Ryle

                                                                                              Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
The year 2020  is a blank slate. My bet would be that things didn't turn out quite like you planned them in 2019. Guess what, they won't in 2020 either. "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Prov 19:21. Uncertainty about the future can lead to fear for many people. Peace and contentment only comes when we cease worrying and choose to trust the One who actually controls the future. He has great plans for those who trust in Him. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer 29:11. Your Heavenly Father does indeed love you and has great plans for you. He doesn't always do things the way you would like, but His way is the best way. Make trusting Him one of your primary goals this year. Four months ago we entered the Hebrew year 5780 which ushered in a new decade - the Hebraic decade of Pey which means mouth. Pey is linked with calling back what the winds have scattered in past seasons. It is also linked with a declaration of our mouth for freedom. A few days ago we entered the year 2020. It is being prophesied that 2020 year will be a year of increased vision - that the Lord will be sharpening the spiritual vision of His people. I believe that all of our years of learning and preparation will be put to use in this new year as the Lord "sharpens" our spiritual vision so that we can focus on Him and what He is doing. Many of God's people, who in the past have been lost and searching, will begin to find their place in the kingdom of God. They will begin to see more clearly and speak the will of God with the  authority He has given them. As we begin to see and speak the atmosphere will begin to shift and change as well. Expect a repositioning and redefinition of positions, responsibilities, and duties in God's kingdom here on Earth. Enter this new year, not with fear, but with hope, trusting in One who writes history. He's on your side and has given you a part in it.
 
"But those who trust in the LORD will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak." Isa 40:31 NIrV
                               
                                                                                              Pastor Frank Dodson