Dear Lebanon, as we close out 2025, I wanted to share with you a reflection on Isaiah 41:10. My verse of the day app tells me that this scripture verse has been declared to be the 2025 Verse of the Year. I differently understand their decision. I must admit that it makes me sad for all the other verses not selected. The Bible has approximately 31,102 verses in total, with about 23,145 in the Old Testament and 7,957 in the New Testament. Even understanding that every verse in scripture cannot not win best verse, I am sure that the verses in Numbers 1,3, and 7, most of Leviticus, and 1st Chronicles 1-9 will never get the prize. However, Even within seemingly “boring” books, themes of God’s faithfulness or covenant are present. Never considered boring, the prophet Isaiah speaks to that very thought in Isaiah 41:10.
I mentioned in a recent sermon, we all may have different perspectives on how 2025 went for us. Illnesses and injuries, the death of a loved one, or economic and relationship downturns may have made the year terrible for some, while the opposite activities made it great for others. However, no matter how it may have gone for you personally, the reality of our faith tells us that God has been with us in every moment because of His incredible love for us. Remember that one moment when you were triumphant, God was there giving you the strength to succeed. In the same vein, remember that moment when you tried to make that catch in life that just missed, God was there to cushion the fall, and inwardly in the silence of your heart help you understand that you landed in the comfort, safety, and security of his righteous right hand. God in Christ is always with us, so do not be dismayed no matter what happens because you are secure in the wondrous right hand of God. Have a GREAT NEW YEAR! Peace and Love throughout 2026!
In the Love of Jesus Christ, Pastor Bob – church
pastorbobtitus@gmail.com, (412) 520-5407
