From the Pastor’s Desk - January 2025

The plans of the Lord stand firm forever. Psalm 33:11

We hang up new calendars at the start of the new year and we make new resolutions-many of which will be dropped by February. My father-in-law would challenge us when we shred our 5 year goals with the question: “you can’t predict the next 6 months of major-and unforeseen- challenges that will knock you off course. Why spend your energy of hypothetical 5-year visions?” Combining the “be true to yourself in the moment” served him well and I have become much more focused on the daily habits I practice rather thatn the lifetime bucket list. One of those daily habits is reading a devotional and praying before I turn on the first screen or have my cup of mint tea each morning-this year my devotional has been by the late Dr. Charles Stanley-a minister who has shaped my theology.

As the psalm above and Dr. Stanley reminds us-our God is a planner. He is not a reactor. He did not set this world in motion to be ruled by chance or unchecked forces. Nor did He create you to live without hope and purpose. God has a plan.

The highs and lows, the joys and griefs, the trials and accomplishments in this life will be used by God in your sanctification-even if those troubles and afflictions arise as a consequence of your own choices. walk with God each day-in the valley of depression and in the mountaintops of joy. God treasures you and your future with him.

Trust in God’s plan and resolve to walk with him each day.