Don’t you love January, holidays, beaches, summer picnics and that laid-back feeling! Australia doesn’t really achieve a lot in January and I hope that is something that never changes. Life is not all about work. Life is not all about achievement. Even in the Old Testament the Lord proclaimed holidays for His people. Three times a year there were week long festivals where “no work was to be done”. Now I know that not everyone is on holidays at the moment but unless you are a fireman, ambo (or a Queensland police officer on New Years Eve) then the whole work pressure thing seems to relieve somewhat over the month of January. That’s good however there is one danger that Christians face and that is putting our faith on hold during the slack months.

How easy it is to get out of the habit of reading our Bibles, praying and fellowshipping with other Christians. Suddenly we find February arrives and we are physically rested and spiritually flabby, unready to connect with the Lord and His people. Holidays are a great time to build our faith and strengthen our love for the Lord. Holidays are a great reason to praise the Lord, especially being in such a great holiday country.

I look forward to connecting with you all again when February comes. I am sure that when we share in our church service there will be many stories of God’s grace and blessing from over the January month. Rest well, reflect deeply and grow in God.

In love, Alan