When we think about the New Year, most of us think about resolutions for the upcoming year and reflect on the past year. 

Jesus teaching us something important in Matthew 6:25-34 (NRSV):

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 28 And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Jesus reminds us how important it is to live in the present.  Perhaps this is the year you don’t make resolutions that affect your weight, finances, or other earthly concerns for the New Year.  Might I emphasize that this year you don’t allow the mistakes and troubles of the past year weigh you down and keep you from doing God’s will.  Jesus is inviting us to participate daily in His Kingdom!  When we live in the Kingdom of God, worry does not have to be present nor does regret.  Kingdom living is living in the present and totally trusting God for all the rest.

If you must make a resolution this New Year, then might I propose resolving to spend every moment of every day seeking God’s righteousness and kingdom in all aspects of your life.  This is a resolution that enables you to fail for a moment but still progress throughout the year.

If it is God’s will, then I hope to see His provision move in a mighty way for the mission God has called us to.  We are looking forward to living in the kingdom of God in the Dominican Republic and Cuba.  However, I am still excited to be working and moving in His Kingdom at First Baptist of Painesville and in the churches we are blessed to visit in this coming year.

God Bless and Happy New Year!

Pete, Sarah, and the kiddos