As we move into 2021 it would be irresponsible to throw away all the experiences and lessons learned in one of the worst years on record for most of us. All of us have very little desire to reflect on 2020, however, I believe there are some positive lessons we can take with us into 2021 and beyond. In this episode, I talk with my spiritual mentor, Stan Moser about the five lessons that I learned and that I believe could serve all of us well if we actually take the time to reflect and meditate on them.

1. GRATEFULNESS
   • 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 
   • Psalm 8:4-6 What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? 
   • Colossians 2:13-14 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
   • 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
   • Psalm 34:1-4 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
2. PATIENCE
   • Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
   • Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
   • 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
3. PERSEVERANCE
   • James 5:11   As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
   • James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
4. LOVE
   • John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
   • Proverbs 3:3-4 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
   • 1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
5. CERTAINTY 
   • Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
   • Romans 8:38-29 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
   • Philippians 3:8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ