Happy New Year!
Philippians chapter 4 verse 4.
Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again rejoice!
What does the term Happy New Year mean? Is it a cheer you give when the glasses are clinked together? Have you been out and about celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of a new year? Are you dreading the upcoming year? It would be nice if the financial institutions would forgive all your bad spending habits but they won't and the bills are due.
Have you lost a loved one and now you are facing the new year alone? Maybe you have a sickness that is threatening your peace? Maybe you want a relationship but never meet the right person? The past few years have been shadowed by covid, increase in the cost of everything and the worry of what is to come.
Have you lost a loved one and now you are facing the new year alone? Maybe you have a sickness that is threatening your peace? Maybe you want a relationship but never meet the right person? The past few years have been shadowed by covid, increase in the cost of everything and the worry of what is to come.
Maybe you have gathered with friends in someone's home. Shared a meal and were able to stay awake long enough to see the new year come in. You have shared some stories, memories and hopes for the coming year.
The cities have their New Years Eve rockin and rollin parties, with fireworks and large gatherings of people. The local bars have their special evenings that are meant to draw the crowds in. Do you have new year resolutions? You want them to come true, but you know that some of those hopes are hard to achieve. It makes no sense to beat yourself up if your goals are not met. The thoughts are good to have and if you do achieve your goals then congratulations.
God can be a goal to achieve but in most cases you have come to the point where you are seeking God for His help. The years have given and taken from you. You have made some great achievements and have experienced some terrible rough times. Now you have made the decision to speak to God, hoping that His power and promises to help you are true.
You're not sure of what you want, or what to expect, but you do want a more peaceful life, where you can see clearly God's love upon your life. You're hoping for something better and because you have reached out to God, His Son Jesus comes and lifts you up. You have no doubt that you have been blessed by God's mercy and grace. You feel different, with an overwhelming warmth of love for God.
You are thankful. Micah chapter 5 verse 2 says; "O Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are but a small Judean village, yet you will be the birthplace of my King who is alive from ages past." Philippians chapter 2 verses 5-8 say; "Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who, though He was God, did not demand and cling to His rights as God, but laid aside His mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And He humbled Himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal's death on a cross."
What does Happy New Year mean? A life changing event makes those words make sense. None of us know what tomorrow will bring. God offers us Jesus as our way to having life with Him. You now have God to confide in. Your joy is in God's hand upon your life. Prayer, worship and thankfulness have become all day routines. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you are aware of God's presence.
Now when someone says to you "Happy New Year" you can respond, "it sure will be" And when you say those words to someone you are saying with confidence a prayer for God to watch over their lives. Life is about you being distracted and getting your own way. The problem is all the hard work and effort that it takes to keep your head above water. It takes it toll on our aging weary bodies. God watches us struggle and wonders what is it going to take for them to ask for help?
God does not hide any secrets. His plan is as plain as day and night. He asks you to trust in Him. He has even provided a way to do this, through His Son Jesus. Believing that God can help you, takes you out of your comfort zone and into trusting the promises of a better life with Him. What have you to lose? So far life has only caused you misery, pains and grief.
Truly have a "Happy New Year," each and every day from now on. All it takes is a simple prayer, asking Jesus to bring you into life with Him. It's a prayer of faith, that will start you on a journey of everlasting joy.
Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for Your patience, Your grace and Your love. Today is the day. 😊
James chapter 4 verses 6-8.
But He gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings. As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble, but sets Himself against the proud and haughty. So give yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to Him.
Romans chapter 3 verses 23 and 24.
For we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Isaiah chapter 43 verse 19.
The Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says, "For I am going to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! Don't you see it?" (Jesus is His gift, our Savior)
Colossians chapter 3 verses 12 and 13.
Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of His deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Do not worry about making a good impression on them but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
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