The Pastor's Corner for January 2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I was thinking about a new year rapidly approaching, I realized it is time to get out my 2014 United Methodist Calendar & Workbook, my daily planner. It is hard for me to stay focused in the present. I find myself looking ahead, always making plans for tomorrow, next week, next month. I think many of us do this to some extent. And although sometimes our busy schedules almost demand we plan ahead, I hope we don't take on the worries of those future days, as well.

Do you know the song, One Day at A Time Sweet Jesus? I don't know why, but as I was thinking of what to write for the January 2014 Newsletter, that song came to mind. So I went online to refresh my memory about the lyrics of the song. The chorus reads,

One day at a time sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time.

When you think about it, living life one day at a time and asking Jesus for strength for today, is really a good way to begin our new year. And it is also scriptural. Matthew 6:34 reads, “So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings” (Good News Translation). The Message Bible says it this way, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Aren't those blessed words to live by! 

Corrie ten Boom, Holocaust survivor, is quoted as saying, “Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength – carrying two days at once. It is moving tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” I pray we will all advance into the new year trusting all of our days to God, and not miss out on the joy of the present moment because we are worrying about what tomorrow may bring. And always remembering 

“God is our shelter and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge”
(Psalm 46:1-3, 7).

Wishing you a very Blessed New Year and God's gifts of Hope, Love, Joy, & Peace

In Christ's Service,

Pastor Karen