James 1:2

To mature our perspective

• Genesis 25:29-34

• Sometimes in the moment we exaggerate. Is it really as bad as it seems at the time?

• “Here and now” bias

• COVID-19 perspective: Imagine you were born in 1900.

• Exodus 3:7

• II Chronicles 36:20

• Jeremiah 29:10

• Acts 12:1

• 2020 was bad, but it has not been the worst in human experience.

• Luke 12:4-5 – Hell is much worse than anything on earth.

To cherish relationships

• I Thessalonians 2:17-20

• I Thessalonians 3:1-3, 6 – Paul longed to see the Christians in Thessalonica.

• John 3:22

• John 13:34

• Acts 1:13-14 – The disciples spent time together.

• Genesis 2:18 – It is not good for man to be alone!

To develop trust in God

• Ecclesiastes 8:7-8; 9:11-12

• We have never been in control, and 2020 has reminded us of that!

• James 4:13-15 – We have no idea what is coming!

• I Timothy 5:3-5

• Matthew 6:19-21

Let us learn our lessons and glorify God!