We are on the verge of completing another year of life.  And we sit here in the final days of 2019, realizing that 2020 (just like every year) is filled with potential.  We are going to be able to experience “unrealized ability” in 2020.  We realize that God has plans for us that we know not of, and He is eager to stretch us and grow us in ways we don’t think possible.

We are able to change (just like in “physics”) and become a better version of ourselves.  This is an opportunity make New Year’s Resolutions to our selves, to others, and especially to God.  We are able to read the Bible more, pray more, give more, share our faith more, and generally change.

We are on the precipice of “releasing energy” that improves things around us.  Think of dynamite for a minute.  Dynamite, “stored energy” can be destructive in many ways, but “dynamite” put in a sparkly firework can entertain thousands.  We can spend our time “spending energy” that is destructive; worry, gossip, faithlessness, selfishness, etc.  Or we can spend our energy in productive, smile inducing ways; hugs, prayers for others, serving, etc.

What is your “potential” for 2020.

Let’s find out together,

Dr. j

Dear Church Family,

The wild fires are raging in California. It is a natural disaster that we are not familiar with in this part of the world.  (We have our own disasters to deal with).  I was listening to a radio report as I was driving the other day, and what I was hearing from California was completely new information and a dilemma that is causing people to suffer in unusual ways.

The forests of California are lined with power lines that run from city to city.  When it gets windy the power lines sway and they will occasionally arc together and start a fire.  In fact, the electric company has been held liable for several damaging fires over the years.  So the electric company has come up with a solution.  When it gets really windy, they just shut off the power to the lines causing a black out to cities all over Northern California. That may not seem like a big deal, but these winds in Northern California can last for 2-3 weeks.

Can you imagine not having power to your stove or refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, because someone cut off a switch?  It is probably the best course of action, but it sure is hard on people who are living without the comforts of home.

As I listened to the people in that area of the country tell their story, it struck me that we live in a vast, diverse country. People are going through all kinds of matters, and are having to learn, adapt and adjust to the circumstances of the day.  And just as people in Northern California are suffering with a particular set of circumstances, people right down the street are dealing with matters as well.  We can be obsessed with fixing our own problems, and forget that others need help too.  The vibrancy of the Christian life is found when we serve others before we worry about ourselves.  Let’s remember to look with compassionate eyes at people around us and pray for people, engage with people, help people, as we press on in this life together.

I am so glad you are here today,

God Bless, Dr. j