January 2026 Pastoral Message

Written By Randi Daniels

Greetings!

I wish God’s blessings and love for you and your family. Can you believe it is already 2026? Time flies, but I hope and pray we remember the value of time—it is a gift from God. Reflecting on the journey behind, we now embark on the path ahead. What comes to mind? For some, it may be regrets about the past; for others, hope for the new year.

According to a survey by USA.gov, the top ten resolutions Americans make every New Year's Day are:

  • Lose weight

  • Manage debt/save money

  • Get physically fit

  • Eat healthy

  • Learn something new

  • Drink less alcohol

  • Quit smoking

  • Reduce stress

  • Take a trip somewhere

  • Volunteer to help others

These are admirable goals, but the problem is that 4 out of 5 people who make resolutions will break them. In fact, one-third won’t even make it past January.

What we need is not just a New Year’s resolution, but a New Year’s revolution. As Christians, we are called to something deeper—a transformation of our hearts that changes how we live and follow Christ. This brings us to our vision for the New Year. Since none of us are perfect, and we are all growing, here is my simple hope for us in 2026:

"Let 2026 be the year we commit ourselves to the Lord... in whatever way we can." It doesn't have to be something grand or famous. God isn't asking for what you don't have. He is asking for what you do have. As we step into 2026, let us commit to Him:

  • In our Current SITUATION: Whether you are busy, retired, sick, or healthy... serve Him right where you are.

  • With our TALENTS: Whatever small gift you have, use it for His glory.

  • With WHAT WE HAVE: Your time, your resources, and your heart.

May this be a year of spiritual growth and renewed faith as we offer what we have to God, trusting in His plans for us, our church, and our community.

Blessings,
Pastor Peter Jisung Lee

Sermon Series: Ephesians

Join us this January as we begin the new year together with a focus on God's Word and His guidance for our lives.

  • Jan 4: Truth for a New Year (Ephesians 1:1-2)

  • Jan 11: Don't Waste This Year (Ephesians 1:3-14)

  • Jan 18: Four Gifts When God Adopts You (Ephesians 1:3-5)

  • Jan 25: God's Plan and Me (Ephesians 1:9)

Let’s come together to hear how God is working through His Word.

Three Bible Verses on "God's Will" for the New Year

As we begin 2026, I hope and pray these verses help you discern and follow God's will in your life.

1. Discerning His Will

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

Reflection: This year, let us focus less on worldly resolutions and more on spiritual transformation, so we can clearly see the path God has for us.

2. Doing His Will

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

Reflection: God’s will is not always a mystery. It is to use what we have—our actions and our hearts—to walk humbly with Him every day.

3. Equipping for His Will

"Now may the God of peace... equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ..." (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Reflection: Remember, you do not have to do this alone. God provides the strength and resources we need to fulfill the calling He has placed on our lives.

Let us walk this path of 2026 together with confidence in His provision. I look forward to worshipping with you all this Sunday as we start this new journey.

Happy New Year!
Pastor Peter Lee

Randi Daniels
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February 2026 Pastoral Message