Cruising toward 2023

I really can’t believe we are this close to the year’s end. I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. The Lord certainly did bless the Jones family richly.

As I ponder the coming year, I can’t help but look back at 2022. Honestly speaking, it was a tough year filled with many uncomfortable adjustments. Through it all, however, the Lord grew our little church in knowledge, devotion, and unity.

My family has gone through some deep trials over the last two years, but the Lord and our church family stood by without wavering. In fact, there were many different trials that many different church members endured over the past year, but I believe we are all stronger for it.

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
(2 Timothy 4:16-17)

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)

As we look toward 2023, I am very optimistic. I believe the Lord is moving amongst our church family, and I believe that we are on the cusp of something big. I have no idea what, but I believe the Lord has been preparing us.

My challenge to myself, as well as to the reader is this: are we fully submitted to whatever the Lord has for us? Are we daily dying to self (1 Corinthians 15:31)? Are we laying our selves on the altar of God (Romans 12:1-2)? Are we living with expectation of what God is going to do with our lives?

I know that if we are fully submitted to the Lord and His plan, He will use us. That is the greatest honor we could possibly know.

God bless you, and we will see you here, there, or in the air!