How optimistic do you feel about the New Year? We are now one week into 2023. T.S. Eliot once wrote, "For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice." What's your inner voice saying so far? What's your inner vibe?

I feel rather glorious about the New Year personally. Oh, not necessarily just because I'm an optimistic kind of guy, but more because of a Bible verse I read this week about Jesus in John 12:27, 28. Jesus was looking ahead to the future. The cross imminently loomed. Soon He would suffer humiliation, agony - even death. Suffice it to say it was not a very glorious outlook. Jesus, however, said, "Now My soul is troubled. What shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? Instead, for this reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”

Even in the face of horrific agony, Jesus was not as concerned about what was happening to Him as He was about giving glory to God the Father. I find this so profound and beautiful. Jesus' willingness to serve others above Himself is such a breath of fresh air that refreshes my soul. His concern was to give glory to God in every situation, both good and bad. As a follower of Jesus, I want this to be my voice, my vibe in 2023 - giving glory to God no matter what happens to me.

Who knows what the future holds for us this year? I just know I'm committed to believing it will be glorious, nevertheless. Glorious not because there won't be trials. Glorius becuase I desire to give God glory through every situation that comes my way.

How glorious do you want 2023 to be? If we are dedicated to glorifying God, I have a feeling it will be our best year yet.

Pastor Michael Brackett