Pastor’s Message for January 2025

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
-Psalm 90:12

Happy New Year!

As we welcome the new year, we are reminded that 366 days ago, we embarked on a journey around the sun—a journey we called 2024. The close of one year and the start of another is a natural time to reflect.

What have we accomplished? What dreams have we pursued and brought to life? What new experiences have enriched our journey? Just as importantly, what have we left unfinished? What words went unspoken, and what dreams remain unrealized? How often did we allow distractions to claim the precious days God gave us?

The start of a new year is a time of hope—a chance to imagine fresh possibilities. In the 365 days ahead, we have countless opportunities to grow, create, and fulfill our God-given purpose. Each day contains 24 hours, each hour 60 minutes. That adds up to 525,600 minutes. If all goes well, your heart will beat about 42 million times this year, you’ll take roughly 8 million breaths, and you’ll be entrusted with 8,760 hours of life. Of those hours, you’ll likely spend around 3,000 asleep.

How will you use the hours God gives you in 2025?

I encourage you to set aside at least 52 of those 8,760 hours for worship—that’s just 0.6% of your time, less than one percent. Make time to immerse yourself in scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to draw you closer to the One who created you.

Above all, I hope you’ll dedicate some of those 525,600 minutes to prayer. Imagine if each of us spent just two minutes a day in conversation with our Maker—that’s about 730 minutes a year, or 0.14% of your time.

Isn’t God worth at least 0.14% of your year?

Let’s begin this new year with purpose, dedicating our days, hours, and minutes to the One who numbers them all.

Blessings for a hopeful and joyful 2025!

God loves you, and so do I,
Pastor Jim Sands