
PASTOR NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2025
The Beauty of New Beginnings
Beverly and I have had the privilege of spending 37 Christmases together as husband and wife. This past December 25th, we had lunch with some family and spent time playing games and enjoying the day. After the family had left our house, we began the task of putting up all our Christmas decorations. Once the last container was in the shed and the last speck of glitter was vacuumed, we crashed in our seats and looked at our home, clean and ready for 2025.
​
It seems that as we get older, Christmas time comes more quickly than it used to. Of course it doesn’t, for 24 hours a day is the same in 2024 as it was when we were teenagers in love or parents getting ready for Santa coming to visit our daughters. Yet when the Christmas tree is packed and the nativity scene is boxed up, the new year is upon us once again.
Instead of looking at a new year as just a sign that we are getting older, let’s look at the coming of 2025 as an opportunity for a new beginning. Let’s not use the term “resolution,” for we all have made and broken resolutions in the past. Instead, let’s think about a new beginning in 2025. Let’s consider some changes that we need to make in our lives so that we may better glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in all that we do. Here are a few steps we might consider for our own “new beginning.” First, be conscious about reading God’s Word every day. Pray every day, both in praise and petition. Make church attendance a priority, and consider joining a Sunday school class to deepen your knowledge of the Savior. These new beginnings can lead to inspiring changes in your life and can impact others as we grow in the grace and love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Upcoming Events!
-
January 1: Bro. Larry Davis will be leading our Wednesday night Bible study.
-
January 5: Quarterly Deacons’ meeting beginning at 9 a.m. in the conference room.
-
January 7: Feeding the Crossville HS basketball teams at 2 p.m. in the CHS gymnasium.
-
January 8: Quarterly business meeting after the adult Bible study has concluded.
-
February 8: Winter Banquet beginning at 5 p.m. in the Family Life Center.
-
February 9: Gideons’ Sunday. We will collect a love offering for the Gideons’ ministry.
FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK
Mike Miller is the pastor of Ruhama Baptist Church here in Dekalb County. Prior to this pastorate, he and his wife served as SBC missionaries in South Korea. They occasionally make trips back overseas, but he primarily ministers in northern Dekalb County through the church. Bro. Mike does have another ministry, and it is with WZOB, a Fort Payne radio station. From 9 to 9:15 a.m. each weekday, the station broadcasts “Thoughts for Today.” Bro. Mike solicits local pastors and lay people to share some messages of hope from Scripture each week. I have had the privilege of recording messages for Mike a few times, and I will be doing so again for the week of February 3-7, 2025.
​
What are some things one can share in a 15 minute time frame to bring the truth of God’s Word to folks that you are likely to never meet in person? All I can do is pray about what the Lord would have me to share, and then prepare the messages and pray that the Lord will bless them and use them to touch someone’s life in a way that will positively impact them and bring God honor and glory. It is the idea of glorifying the Lord in all we do that is on my mind as I type. As we consider the basics of glorifying the Lord with our lives, it is helpful to look at some Bible verses that guide us in that journey. As we roll into 2025, let me share with you several Scripture passages that have as their theme bringing honor and glory to the Heavenly Father.
​
We start our journey with 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The principle is easy for us to understand. The basics of life for us, what we do on an everyday basis, should honor and glorify the Lord. We long to bring God reverence with our actions and words, not shame. This verse is a simple reminder that all the hours of our day count when it comes to lifting up praise to the Heavenly Father.
​
Another verse to consider is Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” If we are living our lives for the Savior, giving Him our best each day, then people in our circles of influence should take note of that. If we trust in the Lord as we are going through a trial, or if we just have a Spirit-led peace in our daily countenance, we can impact others for the Lord. Who knows how just one act of kindness or one word of encouragement might share the love of Jesus with a soul in need of assurance or satisfaction.
​
One final verse to ponder when considering the glory and honor of Christ is 1 Peter 4:11 “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” This verse encourages us to speak and serve with the strength and guidance of God. When we use our words to convey the truth and wisdom of God, and when we serve others in a way that reflects His love, we bring glory to Him. In all that we do, our ultimate aim should be to bring praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ.