Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

             As a new pastor rolls in, and we get set for something different perhaps to begin, we often spend a little time reviewing and reminiscing about the previous year. So many things happened, both good and some not-so-good.  Such is the nature of the journey of life. 

            But it is just as common to start looking forward, to develop some expectations for the coming months.  Expectations in regards to your work, your family, your fun. And even expectations regarding your church and congregation.  Do you actually have “expectations” for them?   

            When God spoke to Jeremiah concerning His plans for the Children of Israel He said this:  “‍For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  ‍Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  ‍You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  ‍I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.”(Jeremiah 29:11-14) 

            It is our obedience to God’s plans for us that should be our utmost, daily concern.  This takes into account our salvation, our faith, and even our day-to-day living in Christ, and yes, even the administration of His Holy Church. God Himself says He wants to prosper us, to grow us, to teach us, to save us.  To bring us into His will, that we function as His Hand on earth, His kingdom, where Christ is present and living (and active) in all the members of His Body.  And if it is the will of God, than nothing but our own unfaithfulness can hinder His plan. 

            So as we look to the coming year, let us keep our expectations high, set actually at heavenly level. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37).

            The problem with setting low expectations is that you usually hit them!  Let our trust be in our mighty God as He uses us to complete His mission of seeking and saving the lost, of feeding His sheep, of allowing the Holy Spirit free rein at the controls of our lives and His Church.  Let our prayer be that He find us obedient to His will, and can use all of us for His Divine purposes.  If He sets the standards, and reveals to us His expectations by His Holy Word, then we shall faithfully follow where He leads us, to His greater glory and honor!  Remember, if God is your “co-pilot”….change seats!

                                                Serving the Master,      Pastor