From the Pastors Desk

This is The Moment

From the Pastors Desk - January 04, 2026

Psalm 90, believed to have been written by Moses, states in verse12, “So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.” As you and I turn the calendar to a New Year, we are once again reminded of the reality that our days on this earth are numbered. Yesterday is past. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. The Bible, in James 4:14, speaks of time and living in these terms, …”what is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

My friend, no thoughtful person can approach a New Year without some introspection, without looking into one’s own mind, reactions and actions. Most of us will look over the failures, the mistakes, the missed opportunities of the past year and be ready to start over. That probably is one of the good things about New Years, it is the chance to start over. Now the problem is some of us will attempt it by sheer resolve, by flexing our moral muscles, by determination to be better people in the future.

How many of us live up to our New Year’s resolutions? I thought so. Most of us, including me, don’t.

Moses, in great humility and insight encourages each of us to ask God to “teach us to count our days.” I believe a part of what is being revealed in this verse is that you and I are not made to cope with temptations and inner conflicts all by ourselves. The “do-it-yourself” or the “I did it my way” mindset cannot co-exist in the spiritual realm, no matter how hard we try.

Because of the shortness of our time on earth, Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90 needs to be ours as well. Not one of us can say, “I know I will be alive and living tomorrow.” The thread of life is so uncertain that none of us should boast that we own one second of the future. This moment right now, is God’s gift to us. It is the only piece of time we can really call our own because it the only one we are living.

Scripture is very explicit about the importance of the present: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts,” Psalm 95:7,8; “See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation,” II Corinthians 6:2.

Friends, though we may all be looking and planning for the year 2026, this moment right now is the only time that you have. Take advantage of it. This is the moment to commit yourself fully to the Lord if you’ve not already done so. This is the moment to ask for forgiveness, to forgive someone if there have been cruel words and actions. This is the moment to commit yourself to the Kingdom of God, Good Shepherd Lutheran needs you. This is the moment to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” II Peter 3:18. This is the moment to surrender to God’s Holy Spirit and allow Him to produce the Fruit of the Spirit in and through you, (See Galations 6:22,23). This is the moment to give and receive love. Amen??

Your Activities Committee is planning a catered lunch and program for January 11th after the worship service. We will learn about the Camino de Santiago or the “Way of St. James.” Please join us. Cost of the lunch is $13 and includes the tip.

Blessings,

Eli