Hindsight 2020

Coulda. Woulda. Shoulda.

Wish I would’ve found a hobby.

Wish I was more consistent with my sabbaths.

Wish I prayed for my wife more.

As you look back on 2020 what are the things that you wish you would have done?

“The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” ~ Louis E. Boone

As he begins his final chapter in the book of Ecclesiastes the wise King Solomon has up to this point explained that God has blessed him with wisdom beyond measure. That he’s experience every pleasure that life has to offer. Love, intimacy, wealth, knowledge, power, etc. And yet, his final charge to us is to...

New Living Translation Chapter 12

Fear God and obey his commands,

Solomon’s Lesson - It doesn’t matter what we start. If our activity in this life lacks Jesus then it is meaningless and it will lead to despair.

Did you know that the invention of Play-Doh was not on Noah McVicker’s original business plan?

He was trying to develop a wallpaper cleaner in Cincinnati, Ohio in the 1930’s

Coal burning stoves left wallpaper sooty and dirty.

BUT, electricity took over and became the heating preference for most households.

McVicker’s business was in trouble.

His sister in-law noticed her kids loved the stuff.

She suggested he add color and market it.

One small adjustment can make a huge difference in our lives.

Most of us know the adjustment that needs to be made.

The question is, “Are we willing to make the adjustment(s) needed?”

Some of us are operating as if , “The whole duty of man to ‘fear God and keep His commandments.’” is a PART-TIME gig.

Meaning - we may show up some Sunday’s, but we haven’t thrown ourselves into community.

We may be able to spout off a couple verses about the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus. But we have yet to clothe ourselves in Christ on a daily basis as Romans 13 tells us.

Some of us are “Gaining Ground” on becoming who Jesus has called us to be.

We are starting to dive into the community of believers.

We are starting to lead our families by example.

We are using our talents and gifts to further God’s Kingdom

Evaluate yourself. Be honest.

What season are you in?

As challenging as if may be… Don’t Fight The Season. Find The Good In It.

In this year of uncertainty, pandemic, and obstacles my prayer has been, “Jesus, help me be patient in the season of testing so that you can mold me into who you want me to be.”

WINS

TC3 Student’s relationships with Jesus have grown SO much this year as a result of the pandemic.

74% of our students said they have an active relationship with Jesus that grew deeper this year.

My wife and I’s marriage has never been better.

Jesus has allowed me to experience His grace, love, compassion, and mercy on an entirely new level.

LETTER

Over two years ago I started going back to TC3 through a very difficult time in my life. My life was consumed by the sin I had helped create, I would write TC3 small notes on the pamphlets asking for prayer. I prayed for a mended marriage, health to my husband after his serious motorcycle accident, and success. Though I prayed for the life I wanted, I was not living it. I was not committed to living a life with Jesus Christ. My marriage was violent, we were frivolous with our finances, struggling alcoholics -- absolute imposters. My marriage did not mend, and one day my husband and child never came home. It was the worst day of my life. I was filled with such an enormous amount of anger, resentment, hate, and fear that I fell into addiction, depression, and despair.

During those months I could barely wake up, let alone find myself in service on Sunday- but I did. I dragged myself there, I had to wake myself up. I sat directly in front of the speakers so the words would rattle my thoughts as I wept. In a world that I didn't trust, I put my faith in God. There was something that made it so easy to trust the message I heard at TC3, when I wouldn't listen to anyone else. In the world where everyone had turned there back on me- you guys didn't (and you didn't even know it).

The path that I took was not easy, but what I found is that every time I turned my back on God, life became exponentially worse. I have learned that while his good graces are offered freely, we all must be worthy of them. And, if you are failing, God will have the answers if you are willing try. No matter how many times it takes- he's there.

Thank you TC3 for all the guidance! This year I am sober, I have a new home, my new family together, and a new baby girl on the way. I believe in the mission of this church, and am proof of how TC3 can change lives.

I have seen God work this year, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty and I believe He will do GREATER things in 2021.

STOP

God Has More In-Store For Us and TC3

God reminds Israel in Isaiah 43 of everything that He has done for them. He rants and raves about who He is, what He has done and what He will do.”

“I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea.”

“I drew Egypt’s mighty army beneath the waves.”

Then He says,

New Living Translation Chapter 43

18 “But forget all that—

it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.

19 For I am about to do something new.

See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness.

I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

I believe Jesus is telling us something very similar as we walk into 2021.

He wants us to be reminded of His provision throughout this year

His blessing

And how even in the moments and seasons of testing, He was right there

Then He says, it’s time to stop looking in the rear-view and press on to what’s ahead… Because I am about to do something that is SO MUCH GREATER than what you saw.

And you will see it if you are willing to walk with me...

I believe Jesus is calling us all to make two resolutions

Resolution 1: I will live for God.

Resolution 2: If no on else does, I still will.

The greatest sermon ever preached - the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 - Jesus, says, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Wanna live for God? Work for peace.

In your homes, when there is hostility and tension clothe your siblings, your kids, your spouse with Christ and work for peace!

On your job when you disagree with a co-worker, WORK for peace.

When you are scrolling through Facebook and you see non-believing friends and Christians friends attacking one another for the world to see… WORK FOR PEACE.

Romans 5:10 says, “Our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies.”

You want to live for God. Love those that are his enemies and even yours.

Be willing to die for them in order that they may be restored to their Father in Heaven.

WHY? Because that is what Jesus did for you.

Jesus is our peace. and now He wants to use you and I, by the power of the Holy Spirit to WORK FOR PEACE here on earth so that those in our circle may have eternal life.

IN 2021. Let us be know as the body of Christ that Works For Peace.

PRAY