Another year has gone by and 2023 has begun. This year will bring all kinds of experiences our way. Some experiences will be wonderful. Some will be challenging. But not knowing specifically what we will face, let me remind you what the Lord wants from each of us. 
Micah 6:8 (ESV) He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
What is good? As His children in relationship with the Lord, He wants us to “do justice”, “love kindness”, and to “walk humbly” with Him. What does it mean to “do justice”? To treat others fairly as people made in the image of God, regardless of who they are. What does it mean to “love kindness”? Are you willing to meet the needs of others from the heart? It is a fruit of the Spirit that should be obvious in our lives in how we respond to others. What does “walk humbly” look like? When we are doing “good”, are we wanting others to notice our goodness? Don’t be boastful and arrogant about your efforts. Or as Jesus would say, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30, 31 ESV)
Regardless of what comes your way this year, would you ask the Lord to make these “good” characteristics evident in your life? I am more and more convinced that what others need to see in our lives is evidence of whose we are. Afterall, the gospel has changed our lives and we are children of the King!
Walking with you,
Pastor Brian