Dedication Service Message 2024
James Maistry
Good morning to the Headmaster Dr Luman, members of Exco, Staff and boys.
I trust you have had an awesome break and are all geared up for the new year. I see that some of you have gained a few pounds, I also had trouble fitting into this suit. In the words of Timon and Pumba, Hakuna Matata which means ‘no worries’, your sport coaches are keen to make you sweat and get you back in shape. On the note of getting in shape and physical training the Apostle Paul in 1 Tim 4:8 says, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Just as we make resolutions and goals to get in shape physically and mentally, Apostle Paul encourages us to take time in our busy schedules to pray, spend time with God and not neglect our spiritual lives. He promises us benefits not only in this lifetime but also on the one beyond the grave.
King Soloman was one of the wisest and greatest Kings recorded in the Bible, writes in the book of Prov 16:3, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” This morning we acknowledge the presence of our almighty God at College, we here to dedicate our plans, programs and lives to God. In doing this God promises us a successful and prosperous 2024.
My key message for today is from the book of 1 Corinthians 15:57 , “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In 2024 I want to decree and declare that each one of you will be victors and not victims.
Firstly, a victim will blame others, while a victor will look to himself. Someone with a victim mentality will say to himself, “I Had a bad teacher” or “ I had a bad coach” or “Look what others have done to me.” Some will blame the headmaster or people in charge of them.
Victims hold on to the burdens of the past, they carry the burdens and baggage’s of 2023 into 2024. On the other hand, someone with a victor mentality will try to change the situation by looking for what he can do for himself. Academically he will make time to catch up with his academics or attend academic support. On the sporting front he will train harder and commit to getting healthier, faster and stronger.
Listen to the words of a great Leader Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years in prison: “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” Nelson Mandela refused to be a victim he chose a Victors mindset. He left the bitterness and baggage’s of the past in prison and focused on unity, forgiveness and building a great country.
The word of God in Isaiah 43:18-19, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Today God is giving you new opportunities and a clean slate in this season of your life. Don’t allow past failures to paralyse you. Don’t expect past victories to sustain you.
Secondly, a victim focuses on outward pressures, while a victor focuses on inward confidence. Someone with a victim mentality only sees the problems around them. On the other hand, someone with a victor mentality will look within themselves to find solutions and carry on.
Thirdly, a victim uses excuses to quit, while a victor finds ways to keep going. Someone with a victim mentality makes themselves feel better by making excuses for their problems. Someone with a victor mentality won’t waste energy making excuses, but rather, strives to find a good way out of a bad situation, he or she perseveres. They are not quitters but finishers. A victim feels like they can’t succeed, while a victor feels like they must succeed.
Before I pray, I want you to tell your neighbour that I am a Victor. Say it like you mean it, declare it and decree it. I am declaring that in 2024 you will be victorious, you will be a conqueror, you will succeed. Stop listening to the pessimists those that bring you down, listen to what God is saying that he has plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and future. Gods word says You will be the head and not the tail. It time to start believing God’s word and not those who bring you down. Victors know that God has ‘plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans that give them a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
I invite you know to bow your heads and join me in Prayer:
Father, we come to you with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. We thank you for your goodness and faithfulness in 2023. Lord, we leave the negativity, burdens, and baggage’s of 2023 in the past and we are ready for the new things that your word promises us.
Lord, we love you and even as we start the school year, we dedicate ourselves and our school unto you. Lord, we pray that you would give us wisdom to make the right decisions, help us to be good, to be kind and we pray for a Victors mindset.
Lord, we thank you that we collectively are growing, we are stretching, we are moving forward, and we are going to new levels in 2024. Lord, we pray that this year you will do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond things we imagined and thought off.
We pray for our boys and staff that are here today we pray that you would give them the inner strength that they need to face the obstacles and challenges of 2024. We will be victorious and more than conquerors for you promised never to leave us nor forsake us. We know that weapons and arrows will come against us in 2024 but we believe your word that declares that no weapon formed against us will prosper.
Lord today is breakthrough day. Lord if there is anyone that is sick among us, we pray your healing upon their bodies, for those that are troubled and depressed we pray the peace of God that passes all understanding be upon them.
Lord, protect us and our families. Let your guardian angels watch over us. Lord, help our boys to excel in the classroom, in the sports field and in their cultural activities. We pray your blessings, favour, and protection upon Maritzburg College.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
AMEN