firstIMPRESSIONS
from Senior Pastor Timothy Satryan

Will God use you in the New Year? Can God use you? The reality is that God not only uses the seemingly unusable, it is His plan and delight to do so. Let me illustrate that point.

   Noah was a drunk.
   Abraham was too old.
   Isaac was a daydreamer.
   Jacob was a liar.
   Leah was ugly.
   Joseph was abused.
   Moses had a stuttering problem.
   Gideon was afraid.
   Samson had long hair and was a womanizer.
   Rahab was a prostitute.
   Jeremiah and Timothy were too young.
   David had an affair and was a murderer.
   Elijah was suicidal.
   Isaiah preached naked.
   Jonah ran from God.
   Naomi was a widow.
   Job went bankrupt.
   John the Baptist ate bugs.
   Peter denied Christ.
   The Disciples fell asleep while praying.
   Martha worried about everything.
   The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once.
   Zaccheus was too small.
   Paul was too religious.
   Timothy had an ulcer.
   And last but not least, Lazarus was dead!

If God can use these broken men and women, He can certainly use you and me. All it takes is our willingness to be available and a commitment to obey.

It takes a “whatever” heart! In other words, we are willing to do whatever He asks us to do...even when it doesn’t make sense... even when we can’t see the next step... even when the storm is raging!

Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 6.52. Live for God, on purpose, willing to be used by Him and for Him in the coming New Year!

This Sunday is not only the last Sunday of the year – but the last day of the year. The end of 2006. No more days left in the year. Finis. Done. Complete. Just think of all the plans, thoughts, and ideas that you had a year ago at this time. Perhaps you had great anticipation for 2006. Things may or may not have worked out as you planned.

But, as we close out one year, perhaps more important than looking back at the old year, is our need to look forward to the new one! After all, God doesn’t live in the past! He calls Himself “I Am that I Am,” not “I Was that I Was!”

So – just who do you think YOU are?

That is a most important question – one that we need to have an answer for, if we are truly going to be who God wants us to be in the coming new year.

Jesus helps us in answering that question in Matthew 5:13-16, when He tells His followers “You are the salt of the earth...” and “You are the light of the world...” This Sunday morning, we will consider those statements, as we end the year with a message entitles “Who We Are!” Don’t miss this year-ending—and year beginning—message!

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Here at WFA, we are going to end 2006 with a great night of praise and worship with the fantastic Duffield Trio in concert! No strangers to WFA, the Duffields are regular guests at our fellowship. Using great harmonies, outstanding arrangements, and anointed worship, the Duffields communicate Christ’s love in a most unique way.

Jeff and Sue Duffield and Wendi Watson Miller – The Duffields – have traveled across the United States and Canada, appearing at churches, concerts, and television and radio programs blessing thousands with their music. Jeff is recognized as one of the leading keyboardists and arrangers in Christian music today, with production credits on over 200 gospel albums. Sue is a gifted vocalist and songwriter, having written over 30 compositions. She also has a background in radio, hosting a morning program for twelve years. Sue’s speaking abilities create demand as a frequent guest at many women’s conferences. Wendi’s background includes singing with Karen Harris Wheaton, as well as touring around the world as a member of the Jimmy Swaggart Crusade team.

The Duffields’ delightful blend of spoken word and song will be a wonderful way to end 2006. You and your family will be blessed and encouraged by the Duffields’ ministry! You won’t want to miss it!

We will begin the evening at 5:00 with a dinner together in our Fellowship Hall. Following dinner, we will move to the Sanctuary for evening’s concert ministry at 6:30. Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors to this great New Year’s Eve concert! The evening will conclude as we share communion.

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by Max Lucado

The greatest day of lists is still New Year’s Day. And the number one list is the list I call the Laws of the Lighthouse.

The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.

The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.

Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:

• Love God more than you fear hell.
• Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
• Make major decisions in a cemetery.
• When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
• Succeed at home first.
• Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
• Pray twice as much as you fret.
• Listen twice as much as you speak.
• Only harbor a grudge when God does.
• Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
• Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
• ’tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
• God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
• When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
• Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
• Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
• The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
• Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
• Live your liturgy.

To sum it all up:

Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.

from “In the Eye of the Storm” © 2005 Max Lucado http://maxlucado.com/shop/detail.php?pid=B106P

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Management coach Philip Humbert wrote in his email newsletter TIPS: “In my 20 years of coaching, I’ve developed a simple three-step process that I use with most of my clients every year. I think it makes a difference and I urge you to take the time to give it a try. Here we go:

1. First, REVIEW THE PAST. “Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.”

The first step to changing the future is to acknowledge what already is. Ask good questions about 2006. What did you learn? What worked well? What would you like to repeat? What are you proud of? How did you grow, change or improve this year? How about your relationships, your career, your lifestyle? How about your income, your health and your hobbies? Ask good questions, and write down the answers.

2. Second, MAP THE FUTURE. I like the term “map” because this is not a dream, a fantasy or even just a goal. What exactly would you like to change in 2007? Do you want to increase your income? Lose weight? Improve some relationships, buy a new house, change jobs?

Mapping the future requires that you balance optimism and ambition with a conservative assessment of what’s possible. Remember, reality never lies. It’s unlikely that you can change everything or do everything in one year. What are the specifics you really to want to change in 2007? Ask good questions; write down the answers.

3. Third, GET A SYSTEM. I’m a huge believer in plans and budgets and strategies. If you want to increase you income by 25%, you’ll probably have to make more sales, work more hours or learn new skills. When (exactly) will you do this? If you want to lose ten pounds, you’ll probably have to exercise more and eat less. Make a plan!

The start of a new year is a wonderful time to take stock, adjust course and affirm your priorities, but it doesn’t happen by accident. Take time to review. Take time to plan and develop your system. And get the support you’ll need. You can make 2007 your best, most productive and rewarding year ever, but only if you arrange for success in advance. Do your homework! Make it happen!

Copyright © 2005, all rights reserved. U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: 1529-059X You may copy, forward or distribute TIP’s if this copyright notice and full information for contacting Dr Philip E. Humbert are included. Contact him at: www.philiphumbert.com or email to

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Lord, I’ve run so fast in this past year
Trying to do my best, but fear
It hasn’t been quite as good,
As I wish it could or should.

In 1 Corinthians, chapter nine,
I read about running this race of mine.
How I’m running hard for the eternal reward,
A prize that won’t tarnish strikes a chord.

If those around me run for a prize that won’t last,
Then shouldn’t I pursue one that will cast
Everlasting results at Your feet,
When one day at last our eyes will meet?

Help me Lord with discipline to run,
So one day I’ll hear, “Your job is well done.”
Keep me in Your Word each day,
Going there to find my way.

Give me a heart for those who know not
That for them, You gave a gift that was bought
With Your shed blood on Calvary,
So that one day they could be set free.

Help me to be vigilant in prayer,
So that the world will know how much You care,
So they will learn of Your great love,
So they will meet the Comforter from above.

Discipline me to use my resources
Of time, money, talents and sources,
That I don’t even know of at this time,
But am trusting in You to provide in kind.

Work through me in the way You choose.
When I’m running for You, I cannot loose.
And as I look back at the end of the year,
I’ll know I can press on without fear.

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I AM THE NEW YEAR
   I am unused, unspotted, without blemish,
I stretch before you three hundred
   And sixty-five days long.
I will present each day
   In its turn, a new leaf
In the book of life
   For you to place upon
It your imprint
   I AM THE NEW YEAR.
Each hour of every day, I will
   Give you sixty minutes that
Have never known the use of man.
   White and pure I present them;
It remains for you to fill them
   With sixty jeweled seconds of
Love, hope, endeavor, patience
   And trust in God.
I AM THE NEW YEAR.
   I am coming -
But once past, I can
   Never be recalled,
Make me your best!

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1. The Bible will still have the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

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Here I am Lord,
Here I am Lord.
Can you use me this new year?
Can you use me to:
Tell someone about your Love.
Help a friend in need.
Love someone unlovable.
Laugh with someone.
Cry with someone.
Tell someone they are special.
Read to a blind man.
Feed a bird.
Pray for a friend.
Watch a sunset with a child.

Lord let me be:
A Beacon in a world of darkness.
A pair of eyes for a blind man.
A taxi for a neighbor.
A meal for someone sick.
An ear for someone troubled.
A friend to the friendless.
A sister to someone sisterless.
A home for the homeless.

Thank you Lord for letting me help
to be one of your instruments today
so that others may see that you are Love.

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As another year rolls around, you may want to check out these signs that you are getting older:

• Everything hurts and what doesn’t hurt doesn’t work.
• The gleam in your eyes is from the sun hitting your bi-focals.
• You keep repeating yourself.
• You feel like the morning after and you haven’t been anywhere.
• Your little black book contains only names that end in M.D.
• Your children begin to look middle aged.
• You keep repeating yourself.
• You finally reach the top of the ladder and find it leaning against the wrong wall.
• Your mind makes contracts your body can’t meet.
• You look forward to a dull evening.
• Your favorite part of the newspaper is “20 Years Ago Today.”
• You turn out the lights for economic rather than romantic reasons.
• You sit in a rocking chair and can’t get it going.
• Your knees buckle, and your belt won’t.
• You keep repeating yourself.
• You’re 17 around the neck, 42 around the waist, and 105 around the golf course.
• Your back goes out more than you do.
• You sink your teeth into a steak, and they stay there.
• You have too much room in the house and not enough in the medicine cabinet.
• You know all the answers, but nobody asks you the questions.
• You’re asleep, but others worry that you’re dead.
• You’re proud of your lawn mower.
• You keep repeating yourself.

It seems as though the years go by faster and faster the older that I get! Time moves relentlessly forward. Things seem to continually change all around us. Although many things may be different in the coming year, we can have absolute confidence that Jesus Christ will continue to meet our every need according to His riches in glory! Keep looking to Him! Keep looking to Him! Have a most blessed New Year in Jesus!

Yours for HIM,
Timothy Satryan
Senior Pastor
WILMINGTON first assembly of God

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