Looking Forward

It is hard to believe that it has already been a year since we first arrived at Dayton Center Church. It has certainly been an interesting year, hasn’t it? We have experienced some great joys and some great challenges along the way. Through it all, God has been faithful. I look forward to reflecting on the year with you at our
annual meeting on January 25. I pray that we can celebrate the victories that God has won together.

As we head into 2009, I’m sure many are wondering what lies ahead. Some wonder whether they will find a job in the near future. Others wonder what will happen when Obama takes office on January 20. Many wonder what is going to happen with the “Big 3” in the months ahead.

Two things are certain. For one, some things will change. Some people will experience a prosperous new year. Others will face trials that shake them to the core. All of us will be molded and shaped as we experience both joys and trials. Secondly, and more importantly, God does not change and His Kingdom cannot be shaken:

Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (ESV)

This may just be our theme for the year ahead. If we pay attention to the instruction of this verse and we put it into practice, our walk with God will be characterized by gratitude, confidence, reverence, and awe of Him, whether our circumstances seem painful or pleasant.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, God is Faithful. So, let’s
worship Him with reverence and awe throughout all of life’s circumstances!

In His grip,

Pastor Decker