THE PASTOR'S CORNER FOR JANUARY 2023

REFLECTIONS FROM PASTOR KIM

I'm pretty sure you all know this about me, but toward the end of each year I pray about a word that will guide me into and through the new year. It is absolutely amazing when I look back with 20/20 hindsight how often the word completely fits the way the year played out. 
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My word for 2023 is "Innovate" and I am so excited to know why God has placed that word on my heart! This definition comes from Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Innovate- to make changes; do something in a new way; to introduce as or as if new to effect a change in. Innovate can be both a transitive and an intransitive verb. If we remember back to elementary English classes, a transitive verb is one that only makes sense if it exerts its action on an object and an intransitive verb will make sense without one. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV

The hardest part of being a person on faith is not knowing, am I right? I mean we try to do all the things, be the example, walk the walk, share Jesus (the list is long), and yet when we come right down to it, it all hinges on faith. While we may be convinced that God walks with us, there are others who have other explanations why things happen. The difference between us and them is our faith. We have belief that God does have plans for us, that God does walk with us, that God's plan is better than our own. Just like those who claim no or different faith, we mess up, often on a regular basis, but yet we know we have never-ending love and eternal life despite our shortcomings. That opens us to be ever mindful of God's voice in our day, to taking time to listen, discern and be creative in God's name and to God's glory.

So how will God call me with "innovate" in 2023? I'm not sure, but the word and its meanings are an answer to prayer, so I live secure in the fact that God knows the reason why and how it will work out. Perhaps it is personal; a call to deepen my faith, learning and/or discernment. It could be something that you and I will find out together in our Faith Family. We will have to wait in faith to see.

What are you praying for in the new year? Please remember to not just talk, but to listen to God's reply. His voice is filled with peace and wisdom, whether we stand in the dark or the light. Be intentional in asking God His plans for you and how you should respond. God and I are still working on that part, but I have no doubt He'll fill me in eventually!

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 Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey!

Pastor Kim