It’s hard to believe we have already entered a new year. The blessings of last year were so great, yet I look forward with excitement and anticipation for all that God has in store for us at Pine Eden this next year. It reminds me of the verse Paul shares with the church at Corinth. Drawing from the OT passage of Isaiah 64:4, he says,

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of manthe things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)

      We do not yet know “the things which God has prepared” for us this year, but I know that God is at work in our church and in our individual lives. With each new year comes the opportunity to commit ourselves to new God-glorifying habits and reestablish old God-glorifying habits. I hope you will take the opportunity to renew your commitment to become a fully-devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Make a plan for regular biblical intake. Whether it is following our journaling plan or some other Bible reading plan, make God’s Word a regular part of your daily life. Along with Bible intake, recommit yourself to other spiritual disciplines such as: prayer, personal evangelism, regular giving and worship, and service in the church. Take the time to evaluate your spiritual life and cultivate the things that will lead to spiritual growth and health. As each one of us grows in the Lord, Pine Eden will grow both spiritually and in the number of lives we can touch with God’s love. Let’s continue to point others to the grace of God received by faith in Jesus Christ. And, with God’s help, we will make this new year one that brings great glory to God!

Pastor Andy