Consider this

 I am sure you have heard this promise from Jesus. I am also fairly certainly that you have not heard it this way. Context makes all the difference.  

 It may be hard to see, but there is always something for which to be thankful.  

                  As Sara and I sat on the beach at Kenosee Lake last summer, I looked up and saw a pirate walking towards me.   Yes, a pirate!   He had the hat, the big boots, the long coat, the white, ruffly shirt, and a big pirate sword.   As you might expect, he also had the attention of everyone on the beach.                 The pirate stopped, looked at the lake, and asked a nearby child, “Arrr, have ye seen me boat?”   The kid just stared at him, so the pirate said, “Hmmm, would ye like to dance to a pirate tune?”   and he played a sea shanty.   When that was over, he said to the child, “Here, take me sword and I will have me picture with ye”.   Before the picture was taken, the pirate made the child strike a pirate pose and say, “Arrr, matey!”    Click!                 Soon other children lined up to get a picture with the pirate.  

 Churches and Christians can do many things in many ways, but we really have one job.  

 You don't need a big stage to do something worthwhile.  

 2022 will be better if we remember (and live) these three truths from Psalm 23.  

 Two words to guide my thinking in the coming year and why they matter.