2 minute read
A Future with hope
by Pastor Dave McCarty (davem@lordoflife.org)
Looking ahead to the new year—there are not very many things in my life that are for sure. But there is one thing, and that is God’s presence with me, day in and day out. In the good times and bad times, pandemic and no pandemic, God promises to be with me (and you) no matter what. So, the question I pose for the beginning of a fresh new year of 2021 is: Am I fully present with God and for others? Are you?
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I find it hard to be fully present with God and for others. And, when I’m not fully present in that moment, the one who misses out is me. Too often, I get myself bogged down with things that are beyond my control or I hang on to things that are better left in the past, and I miss blessings God is offering to me. Too often I get distracted with things that aren’t that important or I get my priorities in the wrong order, and I’m unable to be the friend or family member I want to be.
On the other hand, when I’m fully present with God I find I see and hear God’s wonder and beauty that surrounds me. Similarly when I’m fully present for my family and friends, I see and hear how wonderful and beautiful they are.
A Future with hope .....................................2-3 BIBLE 101: STARTING WITH SCrIPTURE ......4-5 community life / PRAYER LIFE...................6-7 civil rights theologians ..........................8-9 racial justice INITIATIVE ............................. 10 light the way / contacts ............................. 11
This is how I am trying to look at the new year ahead. Being disciplined when it comes to distractions. Being proactive to stay focused in the moment.
Being present with God and for others is hard but sets the stage for the plans God has for each of us, plans for our welfare and not for harm, to give us a future with hope.
Looking back, when’s the last time you were able to put everything else aside and be fully present with God, and for your friends and family? How did that make you feel? Looking forward, let’s be comforted knowing God is fully present with us, and pray that we can be fully present with God and for others. Amen.
