Pastor’s Corner
2020 has now officially come to an end as we now usher in a brand, New Year, 2021! Now, it is common this time of year for all of us to make some sort of resolution. For example, many people, including me, make the pledge each year to be a better person and to disregard are old bad habits and begin some new, good ones. Many people, make the pledge each year that this will be the year that I will lose weight, drink more water, eat healthier and get fit. I make this pledge, every year! It has been said that 75 percent of Americans make a pledge each New Year to lose weight! You will notice that most gyms in the surrounding areas will be full this time of year because people are trying to honor their New Year’s resolution. However, when February comes around most people will forget about the resolution they made in January and go back to their old habits. Do not get me wrong I think getting fit and keeping our bodies in shape is a good thing! It is good that you and I take care of our bodies because the Bible says our body is the temple of God. I believe the Apostle Paul said it best when he told his young protégé, Timothy the following in 1 Timothy 4:8, “For physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things, holding promise of both the present life and the life to come.” In short, Paul is saying becoming more like Christ is more important than us getting fit. January/February/March 2021 YES! Physical training has some value, temporal value, but godliness has eternal value. I will take the eternal value, every time!! Our country has been through alot last year, a world-wide pandemic (COVID-19), civil unrests, churches, and businesses being closed, and not being able to see our love ones, etc. Sadly, as I am writing this letter to you, I am watching on TV civil unrest is happening at our, Nation’s Capital over the recent Presidential Election! I weep over all these events that is happening in our nation, but I also rejoice because this can be our time to shine for Jesus! I believe we can use this opportunity to bring Glory to God. How can we do this? Be a peacemaker, pray for our leaders and nation, speak truth, speak gentle words, do not stir up trouble, love thy neighbor, do not slander your neighbor, etc. In all humility, we must remember as a Christian our true home and citizenship is in Heaven, not of this world. The Lord expects us to act like a citizen of Heaven and not a citizen of this world and if we do it will bring God Glory! Starting on January 10th I will be beginning a ten-week sermon series, entitled, “Committed…. to the things of God.” Now more than ever we need to be more committed to God and the things of God. So often you and I are influenced by the world and more committed to things of this world then God. I am sure that hurts the heart of God. I hope and pray this ten-week sermon series will help us be committed to the right things, the things of God and not of this world. I am truly looking forward to the new year and
serving the Lord with you. Blessings, RJ