January 2018

Welcome 2018, HAPPY NEW YEAR!  It is amazing how time is so constant.  As I age it seems as if it moves or goes by faster. So with that said, I don’t want any time to go by without saying THANK YOU!  Our family was blessed with your gracious giving this past Christmas.  You loved us unconditionally and with generous hearts.  We thank you for your love and a variety of gifts.

I would like to challenge our church in prayer this month.  In Luke 19:46 Jesus said to them, “it is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.’”  Later in the book of Luke it is reported in 22:45 “When Jesus rose up from prayer and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow.”   In the book of Mark, Jesus added, “Could you not watch one hour?”  Then in Luke 21:36 “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

As Jesus wants us to be a praying people to stay in touch with HIM as well as, to be in HIS presence learning from the HOLY SPIRIT.  As we begin this New Year I will be in prayer for each of you.  Likewise, I would like for you to be in prayer for one another and the Church.  As we seek GOD’s direction for our Local Church called Linden UMC.  I would like for you to ask GOD, “what is it I can do different this year than in years past?”  What can I do to change my life for the better?  How can I impact my church family for the better?  Where can I help make the church better?  How can I become a better servant of the LORD?  All these questions and more can get us started to make this one of the best years in our lives.  I want to thank you ahead of time for your effort to make this one of the best years at Linden UMC. 

We all can make a difference through prayer.  Because that is the only thing that can change people and situations.  It will also lead us to a closer walk with the LORD.  Plus, by reading more of HIS WORD we will gain instruction in Holy Living.  Let us challenge GOD by seeing if prayer does make a difference in our lives.  I challenge you to spend time with the LORD praying to HIM and see if you don’t feel better in every aspect of your life. 

Have a wonderful month of ministry and time spent with HIM who has provided everything you need to be a better person. If you have any special prayer request, please let me know so I can life them up for you.  Remember I am praying for you!  Blessings!

In Christ Jesus,

Bro. Tony Antonelli, 2Tim.2:15