David’s attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem was built on great intentions, but failed spectacularly. As David said in I Cr 15:13, the Israelites failed to ask God how to move it properly. Each of us has a memory of when our best intentions combined with bad decisions led to disaster. Much of our pain in life can be sidestepped or mitigated if we factor in God’s direction.

The first nine chapters of Chronicles are genealogies describing where the people came from. The ancient Jews took these genealogies seriously. They could recite them from memory. Where you came from mattered, apparently. But it is important to note that where you come from doesn’t predetermine where you’ll end up. Each generation defines how they’ll be remembered.

After God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, he instructed Moses to teach the Law to the people of Israel. This law was to be obeyed willingly. It was to be more than behavior adjustment; God wanted these laws to be “on your hearts.” These laws were to be taught to their children and their children’s children. Why? So that it would go well with the children of Israel and they would enjoy long life in the Land God gave them. What about us? Is following God still our highest priority, or have we allowed other pursuits to entice us away into modern-day idolatry?

Reset your thinking about the job you do. Where can I have the biggest impact for the KOG? Do whatever job you choose, so long as you’re able to serve Jesus. Outposts (embassies / consulates) of the Kingdom of God.

The reason musicians practice with a metronome is because it keeps them from speeding up. When life speeds up (when doesn’t it?) established spiritual rhythms help maintain a healthy cadence. COVID forced us to pause. Now that we’re returning to our routines, will we just return to our hectic pace? Or will we incorporate daily, weekly and monthly spiritual disciplines that ensure life doesn’t spin out of control?

A new year provides the opportunity to review our financial habits and plan for what’s ahead. At baptism, followers of Jesus affirm him as Lord of their life. This lordship extends even to their finances, and all Christians are expected to give. As we head into 2022, we’re challenging each person to financially reset so they can store up treasures in heaven.

In 2022 we plan to lean in. To return to a more analog practice of our faith. To remember the ancient practices of discipleship that make us a church. We’ll start by asking what/who do I allow to influence me? Is our allegiance to Christ or to something or someone else? We can’t rely on our spiritual history or our religious intellect. Our past deeds are in the past. Starting right now, today, 2022 will be the year I lean into Jesus.

If you’ve ever encountered an Error 404 message you know what it means to not find the file you’re looking for. When the pandemic began there was no what-do-we-do-now file. We had to figure it out along the way. Now what? What will we do now that we’re learning to live in a pandemic world? As we shape this new reality, let’s become God-centered individuals, people and church.

The book of Numbers tells us that the Israelites were completely oblivious to the episode between Balak and his hired prophet Balaam. Even so, God was at work protecting his people and continuing his plan to bring the Messiah into the world. God continues to be faithful today, showing up often when least expected. We can rest our hope in him.