Well, depending on when you get this letter, it will be the end of 2025 or the first of 2026. By the time we turn around twice we will be to Easter, planting time, Summer, and, etc. For several years at FCC there has been a focus on developing a relationship with our Savior that goes beyond fire insurance. In 2025, the sermon series have focused on faith of noted individuals in the Bible and then how we could grow individually in our own faith. I admit some of them have bruised my toes. But as we finish the year it is fitting that we each pause and evaluate our own reflection of the spirit of Jesus.

Some of the keys to the life of Christ on Earth, which we should reflect include:

*Substituting anger and frustrations for others with love: From John 3:16 (God sent him because of his love for us) to Luke 23:34 (“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”) love was the driving factor for the life of our Savior. Consider that before lashing out at the person driving around on ice or firing off that angry post with red flashing from your eyes. Our love is not perfect, as His was, but reflecting the Spirit allows better control of emotions. 

*Living in humility: Jesus stated plainly that “those who seek to exalt themselves will be humbled” (Luke 18:14). My summation of living humbly is to serve others with the focus on God getting the glory: recognizing that whatever I have to work with came from Him. Even watching the cameras and locking the doors of the church are service opportunities stemming from the Old Testament (Nehemiah 7).
 
*Accepting help from the Holy Spirit: Paul wrote Philippians 4:23 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”) while he was in prison, not at a sporting event. Carrying a little further on the humility discussion, we sometimes need to ask for and then accept the help that is provided from Godly sources. Trust the Spirit to find them.

*Walking the walk of Christ: Join (if you are not already a member) and be active in a group of believers. Jesus recruited and trained disciples. “God appointed apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, gifts of healing, helping administration and various tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28). We were never intended to be alone, and God is walking though the garden (or the pit of fire) looking for fellowship from his children.

Submitted humbly,

David Bishop, Elder