Reflections for January 10

The sermon themes of spiritual endurance and growth were a great way to start our new year. Pastor Jason showed us a picture of a tree by the Jordan River that was growing. The tree planted by water illustrates a life connected to God. It has roots, nourishment, bears fruit, and endures drought. It is a connection to a flourishing life that can have persistent growth to keep going even if we stumble. We tend to start a new year with goals and ideas to move forward. Then, we get to February where we give up or realize we don’t want to keep going with that new plan. Yet, Philippians 3:12-14 calls us to press on toward wholeness in Christ. By humbling ourselves and connecting with God’s power, we find the strength to stay the course. Psalm 1 teaches us that a flourishing life does not come from merely trying harder; it comes from being connected to God. In contrast, “the chaff” represents a life that carries no weight, no roots, no connection, and is tossed about by the wind. C.S. Lewis famously noted that there are only two kinds of people: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “Thy will be done.” God doesn’t force us to love Him even if we delay Him. Can a tree plant itself? Of course not. A tree must be carried and placed there by someone else. This is the heart of the Gospel: we are 'trees' that have been carried and planted by the grace of God. When we surrender our own will and allow God to plant us, we move from being 'frantic and reactive' to having a 'quiet steadiness' even in suffering. For 2026, we can Celebrate Recovery from addiction, anger, or hidden sin. Acknowledging that while life can be unmanageable, we are not alone. We can delight in the word of God and get through life! God can root us in the “Living Water” of Jesus Christ. Reflections from Deborah Kelly. Share your reflections with deborah@rbcommunity.org and let me know your thoughts.