We live in a day of increasing artificial intelligence. Where will this take us as humans? Where will this take us as Christians? We read daily about the use of AI for technology, research, and even defensive and offensive strategies in security of our nation. There are some who cast all concern to the wind and see it as our best future, while there are others who are concerned about how far it will go and what it will do. The world we live in is not the fantasy world we watched through movies over the past many years. We actually see things taking place today that were only a novelty in movies past.

 
No matter what we think of AI, we must still remember that we are created in the image of God and are created to search for God’s best in our world. That is how we were created, but not all understand or agree with God’s plans. As a church, how will we both share with and show the world that God’s plan is still the best? How can we encourage the world that we find God’s plan through His Word and Church as empowered by the Holy Spirit?

 
School is back in place and athletic teams are preparing for next seasons. Bands are preparing for both Friday nights and competitions. Extracurricular activities at school are ramping up. There seems to be some normalcy to having a schedule we trust. The end result does not happen daily but at the end of journeys, but we find ourselves faithful to the tasks daily.

 
The same is true of God’s best for us. As we concluded Ecclesiastes: The Meaning and Purpose of Life, I am reminded that there are many things that we seek to provide meaning and purpose for our living. Success, finances, popularity, possessions, as Solomon found are a part of life’s attempts. However, they will not bring the satisfaction that God can provide. The final words from the Teacher in Ecclesiastes encourages us to fear God and obey His commands.

 
When we have a deep reverence and respect for God and keep His commands, we place ourselves in the best position to receive His goodness and His promise. God is good, all the time; and all the time, God is good. His promises are many and we can be certain of this, that no matter what we go through as His child, He is with us all the way.

 
As we begin our new semester of discipleship classes, continue to grow through our Sunday morning Bible study classes, make connections in off
campus groups, and worship together as a family of faith, we will find God’s best as we discover it together.

 
There is a road ahead of us that will take all of us to travel. We continue to seek the best for our community as we seek the best for our faith
family. Let us be faithful in thinking of others above ourselves and identify those neighbors around us in need. If what we do together does not affect what we do when we are not together, it is all in vain. Let’s be meaningful. Let’s remember we have been blessed to bless.

 

In Christ,