Well, I certainly have enjoyed producing Pastor Bob’s memorable Pastoral Thoughts and sharing my own during the past several years. Steve McMillan and I have been the epitome of an office “Dream Team” -- “doing God’s work in God’s world” -- and we have enjoyed working well together. Those of you in ministry and in our church family similarly have done incredible feats, using your gifts and talents in your own unique ways in service to our Lord and Savior. The kids’ Christmas presentation was outstanding, and the kids quite adorable! Each of you have left an indelible impression – keep it up!
The new year brings with it new changes and a time for reflection and new beginnings -- fresh starts. 2020, like any new year, marks new journeys and aspirations. As you move toward your predestined destinations, may you enjoy the journey and be successful in all that you put your hands to. God declares, “I know the plans I have for you.” (Jeremiah 29:11) “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” With faith, courage, effort, and importantly with God’s grace and favor, we are confident that you will achieve the things you desire in 2020 or sometime thereafter.
No matter what, never ever give up! Big things don’t happen fast, so be patient! As you travel the Road to Success, the cardinal rule is to be positive, have faith, and look ahead. You cannot go back in time to change what has happened in the past, but you can and should work on your present to make a wonderful future for yourself and for others. You are remarkable and incredible just as you are -- God’s masterpiece. Let no man tell you otherwise. You are created in God’s own image (Genesis 1:27). Ephesians 2:10 affirms: “We are created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Although we may not see it, we each are a work in progress -- God is not finished with us yet!
2020 is a new book in your life called Opportunity. Blank pages fill the book, and you get to put words on those life pages beginning with New Year’s Day. What legacy will you write in your book!? The poignant words of the Apostle Paul apply to you – to each of us: “No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Well, I certainly have enjoyed producing Pastor Bob’s memorable Pastoral Thoughts and sharing my own during the past several years. Steve McMillan and I have been the epitome of an office “Dream Team” -- “doing God’s work in God’s world” -- and we have enjoyed working well together. Those of you in ministry and in our church family similarly have done incredible feats, using your gifts and talents in your own unique ways in service to our Lord and Savior. The kids’ Christmas presentation was outstanding, and the kids quite adorable! Each of you have left an indelible impression – keep it up!
The new year brings with it new changes and a time for reflection and new beginnings -- fresh starts. 2020, like any new year, marks new journeys and aspirations. As you move toward your predestined destinations, may you enjoy the journey and be successful in all that you put your hands to. God declares, “I know the plans I have for you.” (Jeremiah 29:11) “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” With faith, courage, effort, and importantly with God’s grace and favor, we are confident that you will achieve the things you desire in 2020 or sometime thereafter.
No matter what, never ever give up! Big things don’t happen fast, so be patient! As you travel the Road to Success, the cardinal rule is to be positive, have faith, and look ahead. You cannot go back in time to change what has happened in the past, but you can and should work on your present to make a wonderful future for yourself and for others. You are remarkable and incredible just as you are -- God’s masterpiece. Let no man tell you otherwise. You are created in God’s own image (Genesis 1:27). Ephesians 2:10 affirms: “We are created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Although we may not see it, we each are a work in progress -- God is not finished with us yet!
2020 is a new book in your life called Opportunity. Blank pages fill the book, and you get to put words on those life pages beginning with New Year’s Day. What legacy will you write in your book!? The poignant words of the Apostle Paul apply to you – to each of us: “No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Life is fragile, handle with prayer!
Engage in Right Thinking …
6“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Meditate On These Things
8“Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there are any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Phil 4:6, 8
Life is a journey; enjoy every mile.
Prominent dignitaries declare that your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your family and friends; therefore, make an impact that cannot be erased – in your family, in the workplace, in the world. Be known for who you are, the influence you have, and most importantly for the differences you make in our world and in the lives of others! As you enter the new year, get excited about all the transformations you’ll see through Christ Jesus. Spread love, kindness, and compassion. Let people talk about who you were and show them the giant that you are becoming daily. Have a joyful year ahead! Go get started! . . .
“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:15-19)
“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:15-19)