New Year 2021 Service- Jan 1, 2021

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By Rev. Michael Mwangi

Senior Pastor, Fedha Church KAG

  • 2020 was a very different year. To some, it is a year we may want to forget. We were eagerly looking forward to 2021 to gain what we missed or lacked in 2020. 
  • The thinking behind this is, "if I had this or that then my life would have been different"

Nothing else will make a difference in 2021 more than the presence of God. His presence is greater than any promise in our life 

Psalm 63:3 [3] because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

1. Presence distinguishes you

Exodus 33:16

“How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

  • It is not blessings but the presence that makes us different. God’s presence sets us apart and makes the distinction in us as God's works in our lives.
  • God’s presence provided direction and comfort. He was great in their midst to fight off their enemies. He provided safety, strength, and joy. It was His presence that set them apart from all the other peoples of the earth. His presence solidified their identity as His chosen people.
  • People think if I have this carrier, asset, or business it will make me stand out or it will define me, God's presence defines us and lift us above common.

Daniel 1:15,19

[15]At the end of the ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.

[19]The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service.

2. Presence brings meaning

"If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15).

  • Many people are rushing to usher blessings instead of the blesser. They seek the package instead of the content
  • Are you content to receive God’s promises alone, or in need of the presence of the One Who gave us the promise?
  • God’s presence is the very thing that brings value to the promise. Without Him, the
  • promise means nothing. It’s empty!
  • God had already promised He would give them the Promised Land but Moses cry was more than the Promised Land, we want You, God!
  • The Promised Land meant nothing if God wasn’t going to go with them. That career, job promotion means very little if God isn’t in it. That large sum of money in the bank means nothing if God isn’t blessing it. It’s not about how much we have. It’s how much of His presence we have not presents we have
  • The more we empty ourselves of our own wants and desires, the more He can fill us. Everything is meaningless without Him.
  • This church and ministry is just an NGO without God. Unless the Lord is in it, it means nothing! He brings meaning and clarity. Healing and hope.

Psalm 127:1-2

[1]Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

[2]In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves

3. Presence Gives rest

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

  • Without God's presence, you can have all you need but still, be restless and unsettled
  • without rest, you have no time to sit and enjoy what you have. 
  • You are on the run chasing after this and that your heart is always on the run after the things of the world thinking if I get this one I will be satisfied. I will be happy and fulfilled so let me get it.
  • It is like chasing after the mirage
  • Without the Lord’s presence, life is futile and empty. It’s the Lord’s presence that makes life worth living.

Colossians 1:16-17

[16]For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

[17]He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

As we live this one life, desiring God’s presence, we should also implore Him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” The promise is more valuable only because of Who the Promise Giver is.

Conclusion

The year 2021 is here and many will be rushing to fill their lives with wants and desires instead of emptying themselves creating room for his presence.

The year 2021 without God will be nothing with God's presence comes providence and protection.

Psalm 23


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