New starts

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Lord, at New Year’s, we reflect on the past and look to our future. You are present in all things. We pray for our city this day, pray for a rebirth, a spiritual awakening, a living hope to be realized among all of our neighbors. In Frayser, Millington, Raleigh, Berclair, Nutbush, Germantown, Lakeland, the Heights, Binghampton, Vollentine-Evergreen, Central Gardens, Cooper Young, Glenwood, Klondike Smoky City, Cordova, Westwood, Soulsville, South Bluffs, Mud Island, Collierville, Eads, High Point Terrace, Pigeon Estates, The Villages, Whitehaven, Downtown, Uptown, French Fort, and more, Lord, work in the souls of the people. May You draw near to us.

When we look back at 2023, I pray that the stories at year end are of the change that Memphis has undergone, from people struggling to a community thriving. We pray for that nourishment and encouragement that comes from the Lord. We pray for men and women in the body of Christ coming together to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Do not let us grow weary in doing what is right. Shine forth Father, and lead us on. In Your name, Amen.

2 comments

  1. I want to apologize for my passionate outburst last get-together. But ,I have been thinking of another way for us to focus on issues that affect us in real time. It may help when we face our daily FEARS. Instead of complaining about life’s issues ,
    try Lamenting, in other words , taking our issues to the Lord in prayer. Yeah, that sounds very easy, but it’s not ! Life is too fast sometimes for us to just stop and start praying. What am I praying for. How do I begin? What do I say ? Well, there’s isn’t a right or wrong way to do it ! The answer. I willing to share is this. Instead of sharing your feelings from your head do it from your heart . Lament often. Why do I say this. Practice gets you closer to the ultimate goal. Simply creating a better relationship between you God. The more you share with God the better you will feel. How is that possible. It is like becoming a better free throw shooter , you have to shoot the ball over and over and over again. Soon your comfort level and confidence improves when you are at the free throw line. Well, sometimes we need coaching. Yeah, we all need a position coach and a great playbook. The bible is the playbook and your position coach is the person (s) who can help hold you accountable (Men’s Prayer Lunch Members) we are accountable for one another. I need you to be willing to stretch and become stronger as a man , brother , husband ,father , friend, Memphian. I had an awesome weekend. Two freinds one was a teammate of mind in college now a NBA referee, came to town and call Grizzlies game Sunday. To my amazement was how Derrick my teammate from college was so passionate about how I welcomed him and guided him as a new teammate some thirty years ago. Later he would tell anyone who would listen that when he is on that stage I and many other people who poured into him are there with him . He shared with my family that he would not have made it if hadn’t given him my best when we were college many many moons ago. Well that’s how I feel about you guys. We are on the same team and we can and will win at this thing call life and create the city we want with God’s help and our Christian love and hard work.
    Be Encouraged

    Stay Encouraged my Brother

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