Jesus "had" to go through Samaria on his journey because he had a divine appointment with the Samaritan woman at the well. People mattered more to Jesus than social boundaries, ethnic histories, personal expectations or the sinful baggage those people carried with him. As we follow the example of Jesus, we want to be a church that digs wells rather than builds fences.

As we look forward to a new year, it is a good time to recommit ourselves to the "lifeblood" of our walk with Christ--personal time with God and in the scriptures.

MINISTER-LED SERVICE

As we begin a new year, we are reminded of the importance of vision--seeing as God wants us to see. The Lord of the Harvest invites us to be His workers in this world. That important work begins with vision.

When we experience the fullness of God's love, our response is simply to put our faith in Him and submit our lives to Him. Obedience to God is the tangible expression of our love for God.

In a world struggling to understand and demonstrate real love, God shows us love in the flesh by sending His son into the world. The Incarnation gives us a model for genuine love.

SHEPHERD-LED SERVICE

What will be your legacy? A legacy of faithful discipleship and making disciples is more far-reaching than simply a collection of worldly wealth and acheivements.

Salt and light make a noticeable difference. A life well-lived doesn't just survive the world, it leaves a lasting imprint of Jesus on it. When it's all said and done, what difference will your life make?

If doing the right thing is done without love, our obedience is empty. Genuine love compels us to do the right thing as we demonstrate a selfless, sacrificial, Christ-like love through our actions.

When we lust after the things of the world, we begin to love the world. Rather than looking for love in all the wrong places, followers of Jesus find true love in knowing God and doing His will. (1 John 2:15-27)

One of the most obvious places we leave our mark is with family. What type of legacy are you leaving for your children and grandchildren? By looking at your life, what would they say is most important?