If you’re reading this on joyocala.wordpress.com, look at the right hand side and you’ll see a list of recent posts by title.  If you click on any one of those and scroll down to the bottom of the post, you’ll notice a list of three “related” posts.  Somehow WordPress searches the old posts in our blog and comes up with three posts they think are most like that day’s.  Sometimes, I like to go back and read some of the old ones and find the connections.  September 20th, Imagine was one of the “related” posts.  It was originally posted on December 8, 2015 by Pastor Ed.  As I read Imagine, I realized how relevant it is to us today, as we continue on our journey through this time of transition at JOY and in our personal lives.  Here’s Imagine:

The future… unimaginable! And yet we try, often with trepidation and fear. We forget that God has plans for us for heaven and for this world. Believers are a part of God’s kingdom already, and God wants us to lean on the promises from the Word that we will be safe in the hand of God. When we think of the future, we often wonder how our lives will be. Remember when you went to college, or got married, or had children, or changed jobs, or moved? Excited and a little wondering, or maybe even fearful, might describe how we move into an unknown future. When we make changes and the world seems different, we need to remember God promises to always be with us and hold us close. Today, look into the future, into the unknown and imagine what wonders God has prepared for you: not only in heaven, but in this life as well. Look back and see the plan of God unfolded in your life. It continues and, as we live our lives, we continue to wonder about the future. We can only imagine. Read 1 Corinthians 2:9, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Pastor Ed

Look back and see how God has kept his promises in your life.  See how God has taken care of you.  Trust that God will continue to work in your life and in the lives of all God’s children.  In an uncertain future, some things are certain: God is still with JOY Lutheran Congregation.  God is with you always.  Read Matthew 6:25-34, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Annie

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A25-34