The end of the year is a time to reflect on God's presence in our lives. Scripture reminds us that our Father is always with us through His Spirit (Deut. 31:6; Matt. 28:20) and pursues us with unwavering love, mercy, and forgiveness (Ez. 34:11). Recognizing this transformative reality draws us closer to Him.
The Pasadena Pathfinders had an incredible 2024. We hiked, camped, snow-tubed, ice skated, packed food for the needy, sang, worshiped, prayed, studied for PBE, traveled to Colorado (with a brief detour to Utah), journeyed to Gillette (weathering the storm), tied knots, and completed investiture. Through it all, God was undeniably with us. Even in moments when we felt His absence, we can now see that He was present all along.
This year for PBE, we are studying Romans and 1 Corinthians. Paul, who wrote nearly half of the New Testament, elaborates on the gospel in Romans and illustrates its application to personal and church life in 1 Corinthians. Essentially, he defines the gospel and demonstrates how it shapes our lives. So, what is the gospel? It is the power of God for salvation, revealing His righteousness (Rom. 1:16-17). Dr. Tim Jennings, MD, captures this in his paraphrase, The Remedy: "The good news reveals God's true righteousness—His character, methods, and principles—which restores trust in Him and recreates a righteous, Christlike character."
We see God's character and principles reflected in the spiritual growth of our young people. I have witnessed their development in ways that only God's righteousness can inspire. Some plant seeds, others water, but it is God who brings the increase. Personally, this past year has been a powerful revelation of our heavenly Father's righteousness. My hope and prayer is that we remain steadfast and aware of His work in and around us. I look forward to witnessing an even greater revelation next year.
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