Words to Grow On

Archive Devotions

January 3, 2005

January 2005

Dear Friends

It gives me great joy to greet you once again at the beginning of a new year and to wish for you every blessing from the Lord and an abundance of deep peace, joy and hope for the days that lie ahead. 

We have just been celebrating the birth of Jesus, heralding an era of hope for the world as the course of history was changed and people could see prophesy being fulfilled before their eyes.  I believe we need to revive that hope for our day and age as well through sharing the good news of a God of love who is unchanging and can still bring about transformation.

I wonder what you would list as your hopes for the coming year?

This is going to be an exciting year for me as I am looking forward to becoming a grandmother, for the first time, at the end of January.  Naturally, I am hoping for a healthy baby who will develop well and enjoy living, not only in a happy and united family but in a peaceful world where people live in unity, tolerance and understanding.  I am sure we wish this for all children everywhere.

2005 has been designated in the Salvation Army as a ‘Year for Children and Youth’ and I would invite you to join me in praying for all those who will be engaged in ministry for the young.  Even in Women’s Ministries we will be seeking to find ways in which we can be actively involved in this special year – either through prayer or practical support and you will be hearing more about this throughout the year. 

Whatever your hopes and personal circumstances my prayer for you comes from Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

With warmest greetings,

Freda Larsson

Commissioner

World President of Women’s Ministries