The new year can bring a mixed bag of emotions and memories for many of us. Some may have just experienced the best year ever and look forward to an even greater one forthcoming. Others may have just trudged through one trying challenge after another. The new and anticipated year brings a desiring hope for things to be superior, with a yearning for the still-fresh wounds to slowly begin their process of healing over time.
Whether you have just experienced the greatest year of your life, or you are incredibly overjoyed to see this one finally over, this truth still rings clear amidst all of us. You are not alone. Ever!!! Our God is a “with us” God. On the heels of the celebration of the birth of our King and Lord and Savior, that reminder carries us right into a fresh, new beginning of 2024.
He is Immanuel, “God is with us”. And though things and people around us shift and change, our God never changes!
“And He who was seated on the throne said,
‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ ”
Revelation 21:5 ESV
We strive for those new resolutions for the beginning of the year, determined that we will accomplish these goals this year! Enthusiasm is easier than obedience. It takes more than zeal and determination to become successful. Each day, we must make choices as to how we are going to complete these expectations.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.
But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and
straining forward to what lies ahead.”
Philippians 3:13 ESV
Each day is a new day, and we must make choices as to how we are going to spend those 24 hours. If one looks at a checkbook, you can tell their priorities. Same is true of one’s calendar. God hopes we keep Him as a priority. This is going to look differently for each one of us as God has a different plan for each of our lives.
At first glance, the Christian life may appear as a do-it-yourself project……. until you try it and discover how inadequate your own strength is. God has not asked of you what He has not already empowered you to do.
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,
he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy,
useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
2 Timothy 2:21 ESV
We are called to holiness, but the calling and duty of Christians is one thing, and it is another to have the power to make it happen. For that strength, only our Master can supply. You need the strength the Holy Spirit gives so that you can stay morally clean and spiritually sensitive. Let’s remember: God is working more mightily in our world today than ever before in history to draw people to Himself. He is working to purify His people in order to exalt His Son, Jesus Christ.
God is breaking down barriers to the Gospel message and He is calling people to the mission field in new ways like never before. He is raising up godly leaders and ministries to speak to His people and to a very lost world. God is marshaling His forces for a tremendous work of grace in our lifetime!
I pray that God will touch your life for the kingdom’s sake. His work in your life will far surpass all your plans and dreams. May God bring fulfillment to your life and ministry with overflowing joy. Through FCAP, may you join Him in His mission to reach our world. My prayer is that you will be or continue to be responsive to Him in the coming days.
I pray that the grace, joy, and peace of God be yours through Jesus Christ, our living Lord. To Him be the glory now and forever.
