No doubt you’ve seen any number of end-of-year and new year posts and memes on social media. One that struck me as particularly humorous went something like before I accept the year 2021, I need to examine its terms and conditions.

If only.

As we begin the year, I encourage everyone to do (as I often say) at least two things. First, let’s thank God for His incredible grace and mercy that has allowed us (if nothing else) to write, read and consider this post. God’s unfailing and unmerited mercy was at the very foundation of the relationship He established with His people (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Second, let’s remember that we don’t know what awaits in 2021. No one could have anticipated all that transpired last year. Change came from every direction and impacted seemingly everything. Change and 2020 seemed synonymous. It’s in this space that the words from the Letter to the Hebrews shine brightly. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)

The prophet Malachi wraps this up neatly in one verse when he reminds us that God’s mercy is inextricably linked to His immutability (Malachi 3:6). What an incredible combination! Mercy and immutability. It can’t (literally) get better than this!

Happy New Year!

Categories: Acts17seventeen

Pastor Mark

Mark, the eighth of nine children born to Reuben and Henrietta Meeks—dedicated church planters with nearly 30 congregations established across California’s Central Valley—is a preacher's kid who grew up immersed in faith and service. With over forty years of experience teaching, discipling, and ministering to communities, including the hospitalized and incarcerated, Mark responded to God's call to pastoral ministry. He holds degrees in civil engineering and public administration, as well as a Master’s in Theology from Fuller Seminary, equipping him to serve with both practical insight and spiritual depth.