Happy New Year

Friends,
Can you believe it?  Another year is in the books and we begin another journey around the sun.  I pray that each you had a very Merry Christmas and are looking ahead to 2022 with great hope.  I don't know about you, but 2021 was a year with a lot of ups and downs.  The chaos that we saw in 2020 seemed to carry over in many ways.  So much uncertainty and division throughout the land. A great deal of fear being permeated by the mass media, which has led to greater despair, angst, and depression in so many people.  I won't go into that any more than is necessary, because we have all seen it, whether in our own lives or the lives of those we care greatly about.

With all of that being said, however, I look at this past year and look to the new year and I am still filled with so much hope and joy.  Trust me friends, I have had my moments as well, but through all of that, I still see God's presence and work in and through everything.  Even when one of my best friends lost his Bride of over 30 years, I still see the holiness of God at work as the Holy Spirit flowed through my friend, his family, and the community of friends that surrounds him.

Friends, I can't state this any clearer, the world, the flesh, and the evil one (the unholy trinity) want nothing more than to keep you locked into fear, depression, worry, anxiety, and anything else that is not of God.  But we that are in it, meaning those of us that are truly in Christ, can look ahead with a hope that surpasses anything of this world.  We can also be joyful in the trials that we face and will continue to face.  Peter tells us... 

"Rejoice. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world" (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Our faith is continuing to be tested. Remain rooted and steadfast in your faith no matter what this world throws your way as we move into 2022 and beyond.
 

Word for the Year

As the new year begins, there is always the temptation to make a new years resolution.  One example is that gyms will be packed as many will make a resolution to get healthy and in shape. Resolutions have taken many different forms.  The challenge with these resolutions however, is they more often than not, don't stick. 

I want to encourage you try something different, if you have not done this before. Ask God for a word or words for the new year.  This is a tremendous exercise in prayer and building intimacy with God in seeking words that can help be a guide post for the year.  I began this exercise about 5 years ago.  As the year begins to draw to a close, I ask God to reveal word for the coming year.  It has been such a tremendous practice in faith and has helped continue to grow my union with God.

I won't share my 2022 word at this time, as I am looking to allow that to live out first. God revealed this to me in November. For 2021, my words were beloved and hope. In 2020, it was joy, for both Amber and me. In 2019, rooted and steadfast. In 2018, intimate was the word.

How do I know this is a word from God, you may be asking? It's a process. As a word comes to my heart, I write it down. I then spend time combing through Scripture related to that word, then I continue to ask God to confirm this to me. It's a process, but a tremendously fruitful practice.  If you're looking for a new way to approach the new year, try this out. Ask God for a word for the year. You won't be disappointed.

So now friends, as we begin a new year, I want to take this time to wish you all a very Happy and Blessed 2022.  I pray that your hearts continue to become more rooted in God and that his love fills you each and every day.  I look ahead with great hope in the new year.  Thank you for your continued support and prayers for this mission as we move ahead.
 

On behalf of me and my family, Happy New Year!