Pastor’s Corner: “2022”
Ephesians 2:21 (NLT) – 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
The end of the year has the annoying effect or causing us to take inventory of our lives whether we want to or not. Solomon’s words in the beginning of Ecclesiastes: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless,” seem to be more appropriate than ever given the world we face in the circumstances of the past couple of years. Not only does purpose in general seem meaningless, but how we fit in and whether we really matter at all. If Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (besides Jesus) came to this conclusion, how can we ever hope to figure it out?
Our past sometimes gets in the way of our vision for the future, doesn’t it? If we allow ourselves to dwell on hopelessness in the world, the areas where we’ve failed or on losses and disappointments that hurt us, we might find it difficult to look forward to the future God has for us.
Two things that I know for sure:
- God has an amazing plan, design and purpose for your life and God makes beautiful things! God does not make anything without purpose and beauty including you! Don’t take my word for it:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – 11 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. 1 Peter 2:9 (AMP) – 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Colossians 1:16 (NLT) – 6 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.
Our problem is whose plan are we looking at and who is doing the building? If we are doing the building, the end result is meaningless. If God is the builder, then the results are unlimited and no circumstances and no person can stop Him! Job 42:2 (NLT) – 2 “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. If you read on to the end of Ecclesiastes, with all of Solomon’s wisdom and experience (he tried everything under the sun), he came to the same conclusion – nothing in life matters without God. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (AMP) 13 When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. If nothing in life matters without God – the inverse is true – everything in life matters with God! When we allow God to build our lives – our blindness is healed and our eyes can be opened. Then the chaos and hopelessness of this world will not overwhelm us!
- Your purpose cannot be found apart from God and the body of Christ! Ephesians 2:21 (NLT) – 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. (Amplified Bible – Lockman) In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. We are carefully (not carelessly without design and purpose) joined, fit, bound, welded and built together with HIM and one another to create a beautiful building where God lives!
God wired us to need one another. We need each other to break free from our hurts, habits, and hang-ups that disable and distract us from God’s truth and purpose. So, if you’re serious about breaking free from temptation and sin, you will need the support of others. If you are serious about knowing your purpose and design, you need the body of Christ – the Church. In fact, once you understand that you can’t change on your own, you’ll be free to see how God is already working to transform your life. And you’ll see how he uses other people to help you change. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls [into temptation], it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him” (GNT). The truth is, we need each other to grow. Sometimes the thing you want least is the very thing you need most.
ANYTHING in your life that is drawing you away from or dividing you from the Body of Christ needs to be removed and eliminated – be intentional! The enemy wants to steal your future and kill your life. The question is whether you will allow him to continue to execute his plan in your life or surrender to God’s plan for you. It’s your choice.
Know that you are precious and loved by Jesus and the church. All who have wandered off, the Lord is calling you home!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton