Date: Sunday, January 14, 2024

Holy Greetings, my brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am saved, sanctified, satisfied, and kept by the power of the Holy Ghost.  I give honor to our General Chief Overseer, Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem, and Assistant Overseer, Bishop Dr. Bonnie Guster, and all officials of the Church of the Living God-Jewell Dominion, who are teaching, preaching and living according to the word of God.

Saints, the Overseer, and I pray that all have a blessed New Year.  We thank you for the beautiful birthday cards, flowers, food, Christmas cards, table centerpieces, and all monetary gifts.  This was one of the most enjoyable Christmases ever because of the love you all showed. Because we were able to come together and celebrate with the Overseer’s family, my family, our church family, and yes, we overate.

Saints, I am so thankful that God has allowed us to see 2024. People will say, “I wish you a Happy New Year” during this time. However, wishing will not bring about a happy year, but it will work well.  Whatever we want to achieve in 2024, set a goal and work toward achieving that goal.

Before we start working in 2024, let us leave 2023 in the past. Let go of all the bad or unfortunate things that happened to you. LET IT GO! Forsake it and move on; remember only the good stuff.  Enjoy each day. Philippians 3:13-14 tells us, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing if do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” This is a new year; let us rejoice and be glad.  Today is all you have. Enjoy it.  The past is gone, and the future is not promised to us, but let us not get so bogged down with the past or the present that we forget to plan for the future. If you plan to attend the General Assembly in June, save for your hotel room, food, offerings, gas, or airline ticket.

Also, saints, while we plan for the future, let us remember to work toward eternal life; if you need help, the Holy Ghost is available.Philippians 2:12-13 says, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who worketh in you both to will and do of his good pleasure.”

Take time to enjoy life and laugh; if you feel sad and want to cry, allow yourself about 15 minutes to cry (no more than 30), then get up, dry your eyes, blow your nose, and get on with life.  Pray for others, especially your enemy.

Saints, I encourage you to eat healthy, exercise more, get enough sleep, and drink more water.  In my closing, the Overseer and I pray that all will work toward a Blessed New Year.

All Praises Be To The True and the Living God!

His Servant,

Deaconess Linda Worthem

First Lady of COTLG-Jewell Dominion