A New Year and New Year's Resolutions

2014. I sometimes have to stop and let that sink in. Do you remember the flap over Y2K? Yep, fourteen years ago! How about the Beatles appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show? Fifty years ago this February 9th. Where do the years go?

As we enter 2014 as a congregation I believe we are facing a landmark year in the life of Good Shepherd.

Lord willing, this will be a year of transitioning from the Presbyterian Church (USA) to the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO) where we will find ourselves out of the difficulties of a struggling denomination and in a denomination that will robustly support our call to make disciples who connect with God, grow in faith, and serve in love. I am enthused about this transition knowing that it is the best for Good Shepherd present and future.

Back to New Year's resolutions. I read that only 8% of people who make such resolutions actually succeed in keeping them. Lose weight, get fit, spend more time with family and friends, learn something new... these are among the top ten resolutions people make.

While I believe making resolutions are important, I shy away from New Year's resolutions in favor of Life-long resolutions. I have resolved to devote my life to follow Jesus. I have resolved to be a faithful and devoted husband and father - I almost forgot - and grandfather, that I can be. I have resolved to do my best to care for the body God has given me. And some other "life-long" resolutions.

I believe we, as a church body, should make some life-long resolutions too. Here are some:

1) Be a people of prayer so that all we do is done in an awareness of Jesus' presence and power.

2) Be a welcoming congregation that does not form judgments nor condemn others in any way, shape or form. As Jesus' body in this place we must be as welcoming of all people as he was!

3) Learn to tell the story of Jesus so that others can get an accurate picture of him and of what Christian faith is about.

4) Live the gospel by loving our neighbors and our enemies, and by acting in ways that are consistent with Jesus' character and priorities.

5) Being generous by moving beyond our financial comfort zones and giving sacrificially in support of the ministries God has called us to. Finally, because the preceding resolutions depend on this,

6) Become even more dependent upon God, trusting in his ability to do "far more than we can ever imagine or think" (Ephesians 3.21).

How big is God in your mind's eye? How capable is God in your assessment"? How fully can you depend upon our Creator?

It will be an amazing year and when we look back on it next January I hope we will say collectively, "We have seen the hand of God in our lives, in the life of Good Shepherd, and in the life of many who will be blessed because of our faithfulness."

Blessed New Year,
Pastor Jim