Pastors Desk Details

Good morning brethren, I would like to share a brief exhortation on the topic “September: A fresh start, new month, new academic year and new season - Looking forward with faith, hope and expectation.” Our anchor Scripture is Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” The month of September is significant for many people, especially those involved in education. It marks the beginning of a new academic year—a time when schools, colleges and universities reopen; students return to their studies; teachers and lecturers resume their responsibilities; parents prepare their children for another year; and administrators and support staff begin another season of service. For this reason, September can represent a new beginning, a fresh opportunity, and a chance to look forward with renewed faith, hope and expectation. For some, the previous academic year may have brought challenges, disappointments, successes, losses, breakthroughs, stress, or unexpected experiences. You may hear someone say, “It was a difficult year,” while another person may say, “God was faithful. Whatever the experience of the previous season, please, never allow yesterday to determine your expectation for tomorrow. Isaiah 43:18–19 says “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing…” As believers, I would like to encourage us to see every new month as an opportunity for a fresh start—an opportunity God gives us to begin again.

Lamentations 3:22–23 says “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed… They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Because God’s mercies are new every morning, we can approach each new month with fresh confidence. A new season gives us an opportunity to make better choices, pursue new goals, and trust God for greater things. The Apostle Paul gives us a wonderful example in Philippians 3:13–14 “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark…” This September, let us reach forward. Let us not remain trapped by the mistakes, disappointments or failures of yesterday. Instead, let us look ahead with faith, hope and expectation, trusting that God is able to do a new thing. The beginning of an academic year has an impact not only on individual students but also on families and the wider community. Some students will be entering another level of their educational journey. Some will be beginning school for the first time. Others will be moving to a new class, school, college or university, while some will be preparing for important examinations. Students should enter this new academic year with a determination to learn, grow, ask questions, develop their abilities and pursue excellence. Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go…” September reminds us that growth requires preparation, discipline, commitment and perseverance. Daniel and his three friends provide a wonderful biblical example. Daniel 1:17 says “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom…” Let us therefore pray that God will give our children and students wisdom, understanding, knowledge, discipline and the ability to excel in their studies. May they make good choices, develop godly friendships and fulfil their God-given potential. We should also commit our teachers, lecturers and educators to God in prayer. They carry an enormous responsibility. They are not simply transferring information; they are influencing and shaping lives. The Apostle Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 “The things that thou hast heard of me… the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Teaching has a multiplying effect. One teacher can influence hundreds, even thousands, of lives over a lifetime. Therefore, as teachers return this September, let us pray that God will strengthen, refresh and equip them to positively influence the lives entrusted to their care. May God give them patience, wisdom, compassion and discernment. Parents and guardians are not left out. They experience the academic year alongside their children and often carry significant emotional and financial responsibilities—school fees, uniforms, books, transportation, meals and many other needs. They need God’s wisdom, strength and provision.

Proverbs 3:5–6 says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Let us continue to pray for our children. Job provides a practical example of a parent who regularly prayed for his children. Job 1:5 tells us that he continually offered sacrifices to God on their behalf. May parents and guardians receive wisdom to support their children spiritually, emotionally, academically and financially. May God provide for every need and give them grace for every responsibility. We also have a responsibility to pray for school leaders—headteachers, principals, senior leaders, governors, administrators and managers. They carry significant responsibilities and make decisions that affect both staff and students. Let us pray that God will give them wisdom, integrity, discernment and courage to make the right decisions. May they lead with fairness, compassion and excellence, and may their leadership create environments where students and staff can thrive. Let us not forget the many people who work behind the scenes to make educational institutions function effectively. We should pray for receptionists, teaching assistants, cleaners, caretakers, technicians, librarians, catering staff, pastoral teams, finance teams, security personnel, transport staff and everyone else who contributes to education. Every role matters, and every person needs God’s grace and strength. As we pray with faith and expectation for a better academic year, we should also understand that there may be challenges along the way. But we can be confident that God will be with us. Isaiah 41:10 says “Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God…” It is good to pray for a successful academic year, but prayer should be accompanied by preparation. Joseph is a wonderful biblical example. He trusted God, but he also prepared for the famine that God had revealed was coming. Proverbs 21:5 says “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness…” Therefore, let us pray, but let us also prepare. 

Let us plan, work diligently, remain disciplined and trust God with the outcome. .In conclusion let us enter September with faith instead of fear, expectation instead of anxiety, preparation instead of procrastination, unity instead of division, and prayer instead of panic. I declare that this academic year will be better than the last. You will not be controlled by the failures of yesterday. Every student will grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Every teacher and educator will be strengthened, refreshed and equipped for the task ahead. Every parent and guardian will receive wisdom, strength and provision. Our leaders will lead with integrity, wisdom and discernment. Our educational institutions will be places of learning, growth, safety and opportunity. Everyone will experience God’s guidance, favour and protection. You will pursue excellence. You will have wisdom to make better decisions. God will give you strength for every assignment. And whatever challenges may come, you will overcome by the grace of God. May September truly be a month of fresh beginnings, renewed strength, new opportunities and greater expectations in God in Jesus name! Amen. Our Workers meeting begins at 9:45 am and the Service starts at 10:15 am. God bless you all. – Mike