The Lord has given us a scripture of encouragement for year 2026. It is a passage urging
us to go forth, not focusing on our own abilities, youth, or limitations, but looking to God
Almighty Who gives us His promise and His power, so we may carry out His will to where He calls us.

We, AICF as a church, are now embarking on this new journey of faith. Even with the Lord's promise and our resolve to press on without fear, the path will not be smooth, and our hearts will experience ups and downs, so it will never be easy. It will especially be difficult when multiple events occur simultaneously, leaving us unsure how to respond or what constitutes a faithful step. I want to share the secret to overcoming such times.

That secret is to deliberately create “wasted” time. You might think, what is “wasted” time? For Christians, it is actually the most essential thing. In my case, that “wasted” time is “praising God.” When I'm overwhelmed by busyness and countless tasks, feeling confused and unsure what to do, time spent “praising” feels like a waste. Instead, I must focus on “what needs to be done,” “what must be done.” My flesh cries out that the top priority is tackling the immediate challenges before me, and that things like “reading the Bible,” “praying to God,” or ‘praising God’ are “things to do when I have time”—not when I'm busy and overwhelmed!

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However, what seems “waste” in the flesh and in this sinful world is actually what is most
precious in the sight of God. If we always treasure what is precious in Him, He will
accomplish with His power what we cannot achieve by our own strength or ability. Let’s dive into the year 2026!

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Pastor Takeshi