Happy New Year!
As we enter a new year, thoughts often turn to the changes we want to make in our lives. Reflecting on the past year, and looking with anticipation to 2019, may we yield to the Lord in every area of our lives.
Finances keep you up at night? May you trust the Lord, honoring Him with your finances. He will provide for your needs.
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
If you are a parent, you want what’s best for your children. What greater thing is there to witness than your child serving the Lord. Even if things are a little off track, it’s never too late to be the parent God wants you to be. Remember, what we teach our children is so important and more is “caught than taught.”
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
Is there conflict in your family? Remember that love truly is the answer. It may be difficult to do, and often requires sacrifice, but the action of love (far more than simply a feeling) truly can transform any situation. Love cures and heals. Love overcomes! May you be strengthened in the love of Jesus and see how that love, flowing through you transforms your home.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19
May God bless you in your workplace as you trust Him in all things. His timing is perfect. His ways are sure. Trust that He has you in the right place at the right time, to be a light to those around you.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Don’t worry about the future. Have faith in the Lord and walk in obedience. He will grant you peace as you pursue Him.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
We pray that those who need physical healing find it in 2019. He is the Great Physician and we should ask God for healing, trusting Him no matter the answer to our prayer.
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. James 5:14-15
Remember to trust God every day for what you need. He will provide for His children.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-32
In all things may we be grateful, no matter what comes our way in 2019. An attitude of gratitude is so essential to a joyful life. Count the blessings He gives!
Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed. Psalm 103:2-5