In case we haven’t met, my name is Dave Snyder and I have the privilege of serving as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Pensacola. My family moved here over six years ago from Birmingham, Alabama. We love Pensacola. I am blessed to experience life here with so many wonderful people. If our paths ever cross, I would like to hear your story.
My hand and mind aren’t playing nice today. The year is 2025, yet I want to write 2024. The older I get, the faster the years fly. Can anyone relate? Are you ready for a new year? Are you the kind of person with lofty goals made (or as some call them…resolutions)? I am not sure what 2024 looked like in your life, but I pray 2025 is better.
You probably don’t take advice from a stranger. I don’t blame you. It may take a while for the trust factor to grow in our weekly experience together on Local Pulse. May I offer a simple thought as you embrace a new year? Treat each day as a gift.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
What does this verse mean? How can this statement apply to your experience today? I believe this truth challenges your mindset to make your limited time on this side of heaven count. As you may remember from 2024…time flies. Another truth from Scripture states, Man is like a mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow Psalm 144:4. Every day you wake up is a gift from God. Embrace it and hold it close like a child embracing a new toy on Christmas morning.
What are your plans for 2025? What are your ambitions? Do you want to make your life count? Do you want to make a difference in this world? Are you looking for a reason to get out of bed?
Oswald Sanders in his book Spiritual Leadership stated, “The best use of one’s life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” If you want to make this day and year count, look at life as a gift from God. A life of gratitude takes away the distraction of entitlement in your soul. Serve others. Give to others. Love others. Make your days count by seeing the greatest gift our world has ever known. His name is Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-10).
Happy New Year!
Dave Snyder, Pastor, First Baptist Church
dsnyder@fbcp.org
Local Pulse Editor’s Note:
Dave Snyder is a part of our Community Voices series. This dynamic group of Pensacola dwellers is dedicated to driving positive change in our city. They inspire progress and foster a stronger, more connected community through shared experiences, expert insights, and thoughtful perspectives on impactful topics.
