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As we gather for the last service in the year 2016 to give thanks, to reflect and to make a new resolve. Or is the fact that we are numbered to the people of most high and receive grace incessantly not worth thanking for? The children of God who have personally experienced the truth of the words in one of our hymn “When all things fail, God will still prevail. He can safely lead thee thro the darkest vale” give thanks. Yet some feared they would perish in the tempest of adverse circumstances. In despair they cried
out as did the disciples, “Carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4: 38) But this strong helper did not forsake them. Even those among us who threatened to collapse under their cross were helped by God at the appropriate time. The pressure of a cross is never pleasant, but it had to be carried by those who wanted to prove themselves (1 Peter 1: 6 – 7) “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though nowfor a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of yourfaith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might befound unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Those children of God who are still waiting for help for which they prayed had to admit that they can-not always understand God, but they continue to trust Him. Let us examine ourselves whether the words of our text, which was given to us at the beginning of this year, have been fulfilled upon us.
Where all things have become new

… The oneness is cultivated in the family and among the Brothers and Sisters in the community.

… One does not blame the other (James 5: 9) “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door;” but they all pray for one another.

… One does nor rebel against God’s will but surrenders to Him in the knowledge that God never makes a mistake.

… The return of Christ has become the hub of life, and one leads a life “like unto men that waitfor their Lord” (Luke 12: 36).

If we have not succeeded in every respect we continue to strive to achieve this complete renewal. Let us therefore resolve to keep the new commandment of Jesus (John 13: 34), “A newcommandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love oneanother.” To wait for the Lord who always gives us new strength (Isaiah 40: 31), “But they thatwait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; theyshall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”. To honor our new name even more (Revelation 3: 12) “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, andhe shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city ofmy God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will writeupon him my new name.” so that we can joyfully enter our new home on the day of the First Resurrection.