Good morning, friends! Welcome back to A Word from the Vine. I’m Pastor Loren Christensen, and I’m so glad you’re joining me today. As we conclude our series on "Where We Should Be," let’s reflect on the key themes we’ve discussed: being in God’s presence, walking in obedience, and treasuring God’s work in our lives.
Let’s read again together from Luke 2:41-52:
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. When the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on our spiritual journey. This is a time for renewal, a time to realign our hearts and minds with God’s will. Let’s commit to being where we belong—in His presence, seeking His guidance, and trusting His plans for our lives.
Let’s treasure God’s work in our hearts, even when we don’t fully understand His ways. Let’s obey His leading, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones. And let’s trust that His plans for us are good, filled with hope and a future.
Consider the story of a man named David in our congregation who faced a significant health challenge. David was diagnosed with a serious illness that required extensive treatment. The news was devastating, and he struggled with fear and uncertainty about the future. But instead of turning away from God, David chose to lean into his faith. He spent more time in prayer, seeking God’s comfort and strength. He also joined a support group at church, where he found encouragement and hope from others who had faced similar challenges.
Over time, David began to see how God was working in his life, even in the midst of his illness. He experienced moments of peace and assurance that could only come from God. His faith grew stronger, and he became a source of inspiration for others in the support group. Eventually, David’s health improved, and he was able to look back and see how God had been with him every step of the way.
Friends, as we close this year and step into a new one, let’s make a conscious decision to prioritize our relationship with God. Let’s be intentional about spending time in His Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers. Let’s be where we’re supposed to be—in our Father’s house, growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.
Let us pray together.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness throughout this past year. As we step into a new year, we ask for Your guidance and strength. Help us to be where we’re supposed to be—in Your presence, seeking Your will, and trusting Your plans. Teach us to treasure Your work in our hearts, to obey Your leading, and to trust in Your goodness. May we grow in our relationship with You and be a light to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. I’m Pastor Loren Christensen, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you in the new year. Until then, may you find peace and purpose in God’s presence. God bless you.