“This is the one to whom I will look,’ declares the LORD, ‘he who is humble and contrite in spirit and who trembles at my word.”

2016 at the chapel was a delight for me. I thoroughly enjoyed our initiative under our theme verse of reading the Bible through chronologically while at the same time preaching through the grand story of salvation. We were able to preach on many familiar and unfamiliar passages and no doubt discover in our readings things we had never noticed before, even if we had read the whole Bible many times. I was very encouraged by the majority of our folks who took up this challenge (which was made easier than “going it alone” because of our constant group emphasis). A special congratulation to those for who this challenge marked the first time you read the whole Bible. I was also very encouraged by the other Christians outside the chapel who followed along with us. Now, whether you’ve completed this challenge or sense the need to get into God’s word more than you have in the past, don’t STOP reading. Rebekah and I will be doing the McCheyne reading plan in 2017 but there are others great and small. Please speak with me if you’d like any ideas. We will only find God’s favour as individuals and a chapel fellowship when we “tremble at God’s word.”

This involves a continual diet of heavenly nourishment:

“Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.’ Then I ate, and it was in my mouth sweet as honey.” (Jer 3:3)

When we eat spiritually healthy food we will be healthy and grow. So take your fill! As you feed on God’s word you “taste and see that the Lord is good” as “sweet as honey.”

Continually being in God’s word is not only important for your personal health but also to be discerning in this “wicked and twisted generation” to discern the true way of God from the false way of this world:

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Col 2:8)

How will we be able to discern the truth if we are not continually sharpening ourselves with Christ’s truth and a constant relationship with Him fed by His word?

May you continue to abide in His word and as you do so may you discover the riches that it is to know Christ, and grow in Him.

The Lord’s Sweetest Blessings

Pastor Chris