Dearly Beloved People of God, we honour the name of Almighty God for granting us the privilege of another Year. We thank Him for the rare opportunity to see a very special and unique year 2010 in the country. The great God has made us great, with a host of talented people and a reservoir of God-given resources. Let us rejoice in God’s promise of a fruitful year for His children. “See, I am doing a new thing” (Is. 43:19). A year of divine advancement (Is. 40:28-31) and A year of supernatural increase. For God’s children “for in union with Christ we have become rich in all things” (ICor. 1:5). The past miracles are nothing compared to God’s plan for His people.

Our Lord and Saviour has given us new commandments that we should love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34) and that we should be new creatures (II Cor. 5:17).

It is the will of God that the world, especially our nation should become NEW spiritually, physically, morally, mentally, socially and economically. My acronym for NEW is as below:

N -    Never  Look  Back, Look  Forward  to  a  More

Meaningful life. (Isaiah 43:18-19; Philippians 3:13-14).

E -    Expect Blessings, Miracles, Signs and Wonders

          (Psalm 84:11, Rev. 3:8).

W -   Walk By Faith, Not By Sight. (II Cor. 5:7).

In spite of the decayed state of the society of Israel, God promised a new and sure foundation in Zion. When we look at the evil in our society today, it is tempting for God’s children to give up and compromise because of the overwhelming pressures of evil all around. Believers should never give up living a righteous life and praying for our nation.

Nation building and National vision for policy action

We must be encouraged to strengthen our commitment to nation building and have a clear national vision for policy actions. The collapse of so many major companies, the poor roads in many parts of the nation and a lack of production in the refineries should be looked into more critically and urgently.

Further, we should involve God in making polices and plans to move our country forward. Any plan we make which is not sanctioned by God has no eternal value and can only lead us into frustration. In all our ways, let us acknowledge Him and He shall direct our paths (Prov. 3:5-6). This is a great privilege for us if only we can take advantage of God’s unfailing promises in the coming year. (II Cor. 1:20).

Full Deregulation

Nigeria being the sixth largest producer of oil should not experience fuel scarcity again. The Federal Government should not increase fuel price when virtually all refineries in the country are not functional. It will certainly add to the burden of the people.

The maintenance of the refineries should not be made an avenue for corruption. The government should kindly think seriously on the transportation system, salary and wages of civil servants and other related issues that affect the welfare of the masses before taking any decision on the deregulation policy.

The prophetic message for the New Year involves the whole world. God deserves humble hearts and the best from us. Can the Lord depend on you?

Prayer

Almighty God, we commit this nation and ourselves unto your sacred heart of compassion which alone can bring new things and total perfection. As we set out for a new journey, we pray that you will forgive us our sins of these past years; that you will sanctify what we are and all we shall be.

May new things emerge and be overflowed by your lagoon of blessings. May You grant us Your wisdom in our hours of critical decisions. May Your strength replace our weaknesses; Your unity overshadow our diversity;

Your presence and joy at all times remain with us throughout the year and years to come. Lord, as it has been written that “You will not violate Your covenant or alter what Your lips have uttered, once for all, You have sworn by Your Holiness” (Ps. 89:34-35) and “for no matter how many promises You have made, they are “Yes” in Christ and through Him the “Amen” (II Cor. 1:20), fulfill all Your beautiful promises in the matchless Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Once again, I wish you a prosperous, abundant and peaceful 2010. Amen.

The Most Revd Dr. E. Adebola Ademowo, OON,

The Archbishop of Lagos and Bishop of Lagos