LORD’S Plan

“The Plans of the Lord that Give you Hope and a Future”

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

The Bible verse above is our new 2025 verse and the theme of the year in our spiritual journey in the Japanese Congregation of Olivet. Ever since I was installed as a pastor of the Japanese congregation, we have had the verse and the theme of the year. So far, we have 23 verses and themes since this is my 23rd year as a pastor of Olivet Baptist Church.

When we think about our future, it is encouraging to know that the plans of the Lord are for us to prosper with hope as Jeremiah says. It is comforting to know that the Lord is not planning to harm us but to give us hope and a future.

Jeremiah is not talking about worldly prosperity and hope. He warns the people of Israel not to follow or listen to the false prophets of this world. Jeremiah 29:8 says, “I, the Lord, the God of Israel, warn you not to let yourselves be deceived by the prophets who live among you or by any others who claim they can predict the future. Do not pay any attention to their dreams.” 【TEV】

We need wisdom and spiritual discernment to know what God’s plan is, instead of worldly predictions which offer prosperities. When we know and follow God’s directions and guidance, then we can be assured that God would give us His ways of prosperity and hope for future.

Olivet will be celebrating our 100-year-anniversary soon. Our Olivet pioneers knew that it was God’s will to build His church here. They had hope for the future. Indeed, we now are blessed by their prayers and legacy that they left for us. It is our time to pray for the future generations of Olivet that God would continue to direct us in His way and to bless this Church.

May God continue to protect and bless you!

Makito Watanabe- Japanese language pastor