What a year we have completed. 2012 is behind us and 2013 is going to be great. We will focus on what it means to Lean in 13. The focus in 2012 has been Delve in 12 as we took on the challenge each week to dig deeper and deeper into God word. We accomplished out goal by having a record number of people complete one of the CLASS programs to learn what it means to dig deeper. This year we will focus on Leaning on Christ for all of the things that we face. I received a letter from one of the members explaining how she leans everyday on her walker, while leaning on her family for support and being able to live each day, leaning on her Lord. She gave me some wonderful words that I would like to share with you so enjoy. LEAN IN 13 Webster’s New World Dictionary defines the word lean as to rely upon. When we have to put our hand out to lean on something, we trust that it will hold us up and we will not fall. When we trust the Word of God to keep us from falling, we depend on his love and strength. Proverbs 3-5 tells us, “Trust in the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in him will I trust.” As Paul told the church at Corinth in I Corinthians 4-10, even today we are to believe the promises of God and be strong in our faith. In verse21, he tells us that we should believe the Lord is able to perform miracles for us. Lean on him, he will not fail you. In Matthew 11-18 Jesus tells us to “come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” We rely and lean on the Lord’s strength when we are weak and tired. Some must lean on crutches or a cane when they are old and weak or injured. We rely on these to help us in our physical weakness. We lean on the Lord to comfort us in times of grief and loss and the fear that seems to cripple our soul. David tells us in Psalm 23-1 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,” a fact that you can trust and lean on and you know that he will not fail you. In Psalm 27-1 David also tells us, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?, The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.” This is a promise of deliverance that we can rely on today as we lean on him. In Psalms 32 7, David tells us the Lord is his hiding place. In John 14-1, Jesus tells us “Let not your heart be troubled you believe in God, believe also in me. We are not to worry about the future. Lean on his “everlasting arms” to hold you as you travel your road of life. Some scoff at us for leaning on God and call religion a crutch. We should look them right in the eyes and say, thank you for noticing that I do. Ida Mitchell