Caulfield Evangelical Methodist Church
- Weekly Pastoral Message -

Weekly Pastoral Message prepared by Rev. Murray Adamthwaite
for Sunday 28th December 1997

From the Pastor: Another New Year

"As your days are, so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25 Sometimes a news slot on a current affairs programme will feature an aged person, say in his 80's, who still performs feats of athleticism. Some years back the whole country stood in admiration of Cliff Young, who despite his advanced age for such an undertaking, entered the Sydney - Melbourne ultra-marathon, and not only made the distance, but won the race. The Lord makes a promise in the above text that according to the days He has appointed for us, our strength (or our walk) shall match in keeping with them. In context this is part of the blessing of Moses to one of the tribes of Israel, but quite legitimately it is our promise too. Is this true? I so many cases it is indeed. The great evangelist, George Whitefield, knew that he was soon to die, but the Lord gave him strength for just one more sermon, a powerful farewell which moved many. Then he died. It may not be physical strength, but the Lord enables us to serve Him in the tasks He has appointed for us. The question is, "How well do we use the strength he has given to each one of us?" As we look back on another year past, and yet another in prospect, reflect indeed on what should have been, what could have been done better, but trust His promise for what is to come.

'Tis Jesus the First and the Last,
Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home.
We'll praise Him for all that is past,
And trust Him for all that's to come.