Instructions and Greetings

Hi, friend in Christ!

As the adage goes, out with the old and in with the new. Happy New Year!
 
Oh, the thrill of newness. New brings hope, joy, excitement, and fun. A new idea breathes hope into the future. A new baby brings joy. A new career offers excitement for future endeavors. A new restaurant in town promises fun and festive times with family and friends.
 
And on this day, a New Year.
 
How did you welcome in the New Year? Perhaps you were surrounded by family, friends, food, and good, wholesome fun. I went to church, and then slept! I’m at the age where staying up until midnight is a challenge. In fact, over the last few New Year’s Eves, I’ve fallen asleep well before the clock struck midnight. I’m in good company, though, as many of my family and friends are the same age. Sending and receiving a barrage of celebratory firework GIFs at 8:00 am on January 1st is my new normal, and, admittedly, I love it.
 
As a woman fast approaching my mid-fifties, I am busier than I’ve ever been, and quiet nights at home, whether it’s New Year’s Eve or a regular weekday, are chef’s kiss. The solitude allows me to study God’s word, decompress after a long day, read one of the many books piling up on my to-read list, and examine myself.
 
After an honest examination, I admit there are several opportunities for me to be a better Christian, a better friend, and a better neighbor. If you have also had a moment to examine yourself and identify opportunities for improvement in your Christian walk, keep reading.
 
In the second paragraph, I shared how amazing new things are, but now I want to focus on the beauty of old things and how to glean value and knowledge from the past, specifically 1 Corinthians 16.
 
As you and I prepare to navigate this new year, we must remember that there is nothing new under the sun. This means we benefit from lessons learned from those who successfully managed similar challenges.
 
One lesson from the past is in the letter Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. In AD 50-55, the Corinthian church lost its way. The congregation, desperate for answers, wrote to Paul, asking for guidance on how to address the sins plaguing the church, including sexual immorality, discord among its members, a lack of love and compassion, and doctrinal confusion.
 
His response is what we know today as 1 Corinthians, a sixteen-chapter letter of instruction for Christian living. In my Bible, the New American Standard Bible, some of the chapter titles include Foundations for Living, Immorality Rebuked, Teaching in Marriage, and Avoid Israel Mistakes. All of which I encourage you to read. But for this newsletter, I want to draw your attention to the teachings in Chapter 16, “Instructions and Greetings.” Verse 13 reads, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”
 
I mentioned earlier that after assessing myself, I recognized opportunities to improve my Christian walk.  I invite you to join me in 2026 to meditate on this verse to remain strong in our faith this year and the years to come.  
 
                                 

Here is more insight into Paul’s four points.

1. Be on the alert

• As children of God, we have obtained an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11). The enemy seeks to rob you and me of this promised inheritance by tricking us into sinning against God. Be on the alert is a stark reminder that the devil will stop at nothing to distract you and me so we turn away from God. Every good and perfect thing comes from the Lord. Be wary of people, places, and things that try to convince you that the world is the source of goodness.

2. Stand firm in the faith

• The book of Proverbs is a perfect testament to the importance of standing firm in the faith. Chapter 4 is aptly titled “A Father’s Instructions.” Verse 2 says, “For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my instruction.” God’s Holy, infallible word is sound teaching. Spending time reading and studying the Bible equips us to stand firm in the faith.  

3. Act like men 

• Ladies, do not skip this step! ‘Act like men’ speaks to spiritual maturity. Hebrews 5:11-14 highlights that the goal of our faith journey is to progress from milk (elementary thoughts) to solid food (the ability to discern good and evil). Maturity in faith means recognizing that believers, both men and women, must submit to God by trusting and obeying His word in all aspects of our lives.

4. Be strong

• Putting on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11), is the foundation for being strong. Although Paul wrote to the Corinthian church long before he traveled to Ephesus, verses 10–17 provide a detailed guide for staying strong in the face of adversity.

This year, next year, and all the years to come will bring joy as well as frustrations and uncertainty, so refer to the wise instruction in 1 Corinthians 16:13 daily, because life’s frustrations and uncertainty will arise at some point. 

Print this newsletter and highlight these timeless instructions for Christian living.
 
May God keep you and bless you,
Tika

P.S. I thought it would be fun to add what I’m reading, notable quotes, and just for fun with you. Let me know your thoughts!

What I’m reading

Songs of Our Pilgrimage: 365 Daily Devotions on the Psalms by John A. Heys. Today is day 1, and I am super excited to dive deeper into the Psalms.

YouVersion Bible in a Year Reading Plan. Each year, I read the Bible in a year. Download the YouVersion app and join me!

Notable Quote:

“If the devil can’t make you sin, he will make you busy.” Corrie ten Boom, Dutch Christian Holocaust survivor and author.

The keynote speaker at my company’s Christmas party shared this quote. It moved me, so I am sharing it with you.

Just for Fun:

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies, and nothing makes me happier than to plop down on the couch with a good book. I enjoyed some fantastic reads last year. Here are the top five books I read that I highly recommend you add to your to-read list. 

1. Mother Emanuel: Two Generations of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church by Kevin Sack
2. The Power of the Gospel: A Year in Romans by R.C. Sproul
3. James: A Novel by Percival Everett
4. The Good Lord Bird by James McBride
5. The Book of Night Women by Marlon James