Devotions with Pastor Bill Ritchey

Well, Christmas has passed, and the New Year is close at hand. My prayer for you is that this Christmas season has been one of the best yet for you as it has been for the Ritcheys. I haven’t been asked yet (as of the time of writing this) but I certainly expect the question(s) to come. You know the ones I’m thinking of, the ones about what my goals are for the New Year. I can say with all confidence that I do not plan to pay for gym membership and go at least three times a week. I also do not plan to make any new, wiser financial investments or save any certain amount of money. There is nothing wrong with these things, but I’ve been there, done that and don’t feel like I need to go back and try again.

I’ve made a lot of plans over the years and the Lord has blessed many of them, even before I became a Christian. I can testify that since I have been bringing the Lord into my planning process, I’ve seen a lot more successes and much greater satisfaction overall. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

This is the time of year when many of us are making plans and setting goals for the new year. My prayer for us all is to keep our Lord and His plans in the center of ours. He has plans for His people the I believe surpass the plans we make by ourselves (Jeremiah 29:11). When we are counted among His children it is ok to make plans but don’t forget to let the Lord lead the way (see Proverbs 16:9).

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will [emphasis added] make straight your paths.”

I trust you have kept Christ in Christmas, please keep the Lord in the lead entering the New Year.
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Shalom, Pastor Bill