Tuesday Tidings Jan 13, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:6

It has been said that an effective way to fend off the doldrums is to have something to “look forward to.”  There definitely is some truth to this encouragement.

A genuine sense of anticipation and expectation can be a real blessing.  It permits us to hope for a joy-filled future without being consumed by the daily struggles with which each of us consistently contend.

Yes, as we make our way through these wintry days, just about the time the snow-covered fields have lost their luster; we might cling to a family vacation at the beach.  Maybe now is the time to order your flip flops, just to help keep your perspective.

No vacation plans?  Not a problem, we can get a little more spiritual with this exercise.  Let’s start considering what we value most about the pending seasons of Lent and Easter.

With a deeper appreciation of the enrichment that rests on the horizon, we can begin to look forward to the various worship experiences, studies, and times of fellowship that await us later in the winter and in the early days of spring.

Truthfully, there’s no need to delay even that long.  Need something to look forward to in the more immediate future?  How about reaching for your phone and texting a good buddy, savoring that afternoon cup of coffee, or reading through a few treasured passages of Scripture?

Life can be a challenging slog at times, there’s no doubt about that… but amid the ongoing struggles and ever-present expectations, God has blessed us with simple, yet meaningful pleasures that have the capacity to renew our spirits.

Indeed, it seems like there’s always something to look forward to, something to draw us with some level of hopefulness into the days ahead.     

Question for reflection: What helps you remain energized in the moment and hopeful for the future?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

God of grace and glory, the time we have is both a treasure and an opportunity; we pray that you would encourage our spirits in such a way that we would see each moment as an opportunity to encounter you anew.  Let us look to the future with more hope than despair, with an eagerness to be of benefit in the time that we have been afforded.  In Christ’s name we pray, amen.