BEGIN THE YEAR STRONG IN THE LORD
At the beginning of the year, I was reminded that as men, we are called to lead. God has given us the responsibility to lead our families.
These days, with so much uncertainty and negativity happening around us and throughout the world, our thoughts and words can easily be affected. Many people, consciously or unconsciously, speak negatively about themselves, their families, and their futures. We often forget that our words have creative power. Whatever we speak— whether good or bad—we give life to our words (Proverbs 18:21).
How should we, as men, lead our families? By demonstrating—in thought, word, and action—that Jesus Christ is the Lord of our home. As we begin this new year, we should be intentional about establishing a culture in our lives. Just as our church’s theme for 2025, “Alive in Culture” reminds us, we are called to build a strong spiritual culture right from the start.
Leading our families begins with leading ourselves. It starts from the inside out.
We need to be ROOTED IN GOD and HIS WORD
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
(Acts 20:32 NIV)
Only God and His Word can build us up and provide everything we need in this new year. We are a work in progress. We must sit under God’s Word and grow as a disciple of Christ.
It’s surprising how often people overlook the fact that our actions are driven by our thoughts. Simply wanting to change while still holding onto outdated ways of thinking is unlikely to bring transformation. It is through God’s Word that our minds can be renewed and our lives transformed.
Therefore, I challenge every man seeking a transformative new year and life to dedicate time and cultivate the habit of regularly studying the Word of God.
We need to be CHRISTLIKE
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 2:5 NIV)
Paul writes this letter to the Philippians, to uplift their spirits and remind them to find joy, even in difficult circumstances. Despite being in prison, Paul encourages them to rejoice because God is still at work in their lives.
The phrase “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” means to think as Christ tought-to adopt His attitude and perspective.
Paul describes how Jesus, in His divine nature, chose to surrender His glory and humbled Himself by becoming human, ultimately sacrificing His life on the cross (Philippians 2:7–8). This act was a profound demonstration of love, as He willingly lowered Himself to express that love. He stands as the ultimate model of love and humility.
I encourage every man to embrace this same mindset—being ready to humble ourselves, prioritizing the needs and well-being of others above our own, especially the families we lead.
We need to be STRONG IN THE LORD
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power
(Ephesians 6:10 NIV)
The phrase “be strong in the Lord” in the original Greek is a passive verb. That means, being strong in the Lord does not come from building up our own strength. As men, we cannot strengthen ourselves in the Lord; rather, we must “be empowered” or “be strengthened” by Him.
Additionally, the verse says to be strong “In the Lord,” rather than “by the Lord”. When our lives are positioned in the Lord and we remain connected to Him, we gain true strength to lead and overcome every obstacle that comes our way. That is why Jesus said:
“Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself;
it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.
I am the vine; you are the branches.
If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;
apart from Me you can do nothing”
(John 15:4–5 NIV)
As men, our strength comes from being in Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, but in Christ, we have access to the full strength of His might.
So, let’s start the year with confidence, standing in unwavering strength in the Lord. Stay connected to Him, walk with the Lord, and depend on His mighty power-not our strength as we lead our families!
Have a victorious new year!
Jerry Ruslim (Global Men Coordinator)
