Talks

We were treated to a different format of service this Sunday: A Question and Answer panel with our Ashwood Church Core leaders. We learned how other people would describe their character, what they are passionate about, how they have seen God move lately, how they keep connected with God and many more things.

For our second Sunday of the year (and in the middle of our season of prayer) Claire’s message was titled: Entering the year Anchored in God!
Claire used the words from Psalm 118 - A song written on the other side of the struggle. The writer doesn’t pretend there was no pressure, no rejection, no fear — but still declared that through it all, God was still good and still faithful.

The psalm reminds us that when we are hard pressed, God makes space; when we are rejected, God is still building; and when we step into a new day, we can do so with thanksgiving, not fear.

As we enter this year, Psalm 118 calls us to anchor our lives not in what we can control, but in who God is — because His love still endures forever.

Here’s the prayer Claire invited us to pray at the end – why not pray again today:

God, as we begin this new year, we don’t pretend to have it all figured out.
We bring You our hopes, our questions, and the things that feel uncertain right now.
But today we choose trust.
We choose to believe that You are good — even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
We choose to believe that You are faithful — even when the pressure is real.
We place this year in Your hands.
Not asking for control, but for confidence in who You are.
Anchor our hearts in Your love.
Lead us day by day. And help us walk forward with gratitude and courage.
We trust You, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

GOD DOES NOT CHANGE!
Matt started 2026 by looking at what changes and what doesn’t change! (He even sang a song from Frozen 2!) In a world that’s constantly changing it’s re-assuring to know that God does not change.  (“I am the Lord and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6)
As Anna says in Frozen: “That’s why I rely on certain certainties”.

Here’s 5 certainties we can rely on in 2026:
1) The World Changes - God does not!
“Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens (skies) with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. But you are always the same; you will live forever.” Psalm 102:25-27.
2) God’s Love does not change
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
3) God’s Promises do not change
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘YES’ in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:20
What are God’s promises for 2026?
- His Presence (Hebrews 13:5)
- His Peace (John 14:27)
- His Strength (Philippians 4:13)
- His Forgiveness (1 John 1:9)
- His Guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- His Faithful Work in Us (Philippians 1:6)
- Eternal Life (1 John 2:25)
4) God’s Purposes do not change
They are:
- To redeem
- To restore
- To heal
- To renew
5) Simply Jesus - He does not change
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” Hebrews 13:8

What does this mean for a new year?
1. Rest in His Stability
2. Build your Identity in Jesus
3. Live with Courage and Hope

Matt ended the service with a blessing for 2026: receive this blessing today!
May the God who called you keep you.
May the oil on your life never run dry.
May your homes be places of rest and laughter.
May your hearts remain soft, even when the road is hard.
May wisdom guard you, joy strengthen you, and grace surround you.
May you start this year grateful and enter it with expectancy.
Amen