Best of...2020

As we come to an end of 2020, I wanted to share my favorites of the year. I know we could share a lot of our “worsts”, but we can just go to many social media posts for that. Instead I wanted to share what stood out for me as favorites… these are particular things the Lord blessed me with this year. They are ways the Lord spoke to me and drew me closer to Him. So in finishing off the year I think it’s a good way to wrap up.
In my reading through Psalms right now (I’m reading through Psalms and Proverbs in 30 days) I was reminded in Psalm 103:1-2 where He says, “My soul, bless the LORD, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. My soul, bless the LORD, and do not forget all His benefits.” I tend to do that… forget His benefits. I am quick to forget His goodness and kindness to me – even in the midst of difficulties.
So, with no further ado, here are some of my favorites this year in 2020 – blessings of the Lord. (I’d love to hear how the Lord blessed you in 2020 too!)
Books:
I’ve read about 30 books this year (so many good ones!) but the ones that make it to the top favorites are these:
1) Gentle and Lowly, by Dane Ortlund
2) The Heart of a Servant Leader: Letters from Jack Miller, C. John Miller
3) Side By Side, Ed Welch
4) A Praying Life, Paul Miller
5) The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul
I wish I had space to mention others like, “Disciplines of a Godly Man” by Kent Hughes and others by Ed Welch, David Powlison, Paul Miller… so many wonderful books!
Apps:
I have two apps that are this year’s favorites…
1) Dwell
2) Prayer Mate
These both have greatly encouraged me to pray more purposefully and to listen to His Word. Dwell (a listening-to-the-bible app) has been what Angela and I go to sleep listening to each night as well as offering reading plans that we have greatly benefited from.
Blog:
My favorite blog of the year (again) is Tim Challis. Always insightful, biblically grounded and his added A La Cart is a great resource for less time on the internet reading fruitless articles.
 
Album: 
“I Am They, Faithful God” is my favorite music album of the year. It draws me to reflecting on God’s goodness, His promises, and His faithfulness. Who doesn’t need that? (My second would be Matthew West’s, “Brand New”.)
Education: 
This year Angela and I began a Biblical counseling course through CCEF (Christian Counseling Education Foundation) and it has been transformational for the both of us! It is a specific tool that the Lord has given us to pour into us personally in order to better come alongside others. Oh how I thank God for the input into our lives this year!
New Biblical Insight:
I’ve been introduced to a new biblical insight this year from Paul Miller (read: “J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life” for full story). It has helped me change my definition of “success” not on what the world around me says, but what Jesus says… and did. Man, this has been huge! Goodbye “failure boasting chart”, and hello “J-Curve”!
Hikes: 
I began hiking again this year… something I haven’t done a lot of for a while. But it is something that God has used to quiet my heart and speak to me. My favorite hike is at Red Rock Valley the Willow Springs loop, about 7 miles. It’s glorious for me to get out and hit the trail to think, pray and clear my mind. The Lord has used it numerous times to hear His gentle voice in guiding me. (I also had a wonderful hike with some friends in Sedona this year – that was phenomenal!)
If time and space weren’t constraining me, I’d share about family and some time with our kids and grandson. I’d talk about growing in my walk and friendship with Angela. I’d share the highlights of God’s faithfulness to our church and seeing Him abundantly provide for all of our needs and guiding us as we have made so many adjustments this year. So many ways He has been faithful and good to me in 2020. I have loved spending time with God and growing in prayer.
If only time and space allowed…
God is good, all the time, God is good. I pray that God will grow in each of us a heart of gratitude.
I love you church and thank God for you. I truly count it a joy to serve alongside you. Thank you for traveling with me in this journey. I am eager to continue to walk more closely with Him in 2021.
In His Grip,
Pastor John