From The Desk Of:

MOVING INTO A NEW YEAR

As we move into the New Year, Lord willing (Jas.4:17), let’s do so spiritually.

 “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1Thess.5:16-18).

REJOICE EVERMORE

The overall continuous disposition of Christians should be joy. “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (Phil.3:1). “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil.4:4). We delight in every new day and every New Year because of the blessings that God continues to shower upon us. “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph.1:3).

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

It is the Lord’s will that his faithful people stay in communication with him. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Even though God knows what we have need of before we ask, he still wants us to petition him according to his will (Matt.6:8; 1John 5:14). Therefore, pray for those in authority and for those still in their sins (1Tim.2:1-4). Pray that Christians might stand forgiven and justified (Jas.5:16). Pray for strength to continue standing firmly and faithful in the midst of persecution and discouraging circumstances (Eph.6:18-20; 2Tim.3:12).

IN EVERYTHING, GIVE THANKS

Christians have much to be thankful for (Eph.5:20). I suppose a laundry list detailing our blessings would circle the earth. We have our right minds, reasonable amount of health, families, brethren, means of providing, spiritual security, and the ever-present helping hand from above just to name a few. “I will lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Ps.121:1-2). “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Ps.37:23-25).  “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb.13:1)

©December 31^st, 2022  Courtney Henderson