Written in a time of exile of the Hebrew people in Babylon, the prophet
Jeremiah declares:
11 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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV)
We often hear folks say that God has a plan. However, how that is understood and what it means in our daily lives is the challenge for modern Christians. God’s promise is to be with us always, to never leave us, to provide wisdom and abundance for the journey. God’s dream for all of humanity is that ALL God’s people will experience the love, joy, hope, and peace that Christ brings into the world. NEWS FLASH! The plan is up to us! The choices we make, the direction we go, how we show the world the endless love and promises of God is what will transform the world in the name of Jesus Christ.
We have just completed a series on “Angels Among Us:# do not be afraid”. My prayer for the new year is that we will embrace being those angels, God’s messengers in every place and space of our personal and communal lives. To move into 2023 with great gusto, boldness, and God-sized courage to bring God’s dream to reality. Listen for the angels. Hear the guidance of the Holy Spirit and join in the adventure we are about to begin!
In the Endless Love of Christ,
Pastor Lenore