Praise God!

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. ~ Philippians 1:6 NLT

As we turn our minds to the year ahead, many of us are pondering it with uncertainty, even fear.  The Bible is clear, we who are in Christ should have no fear of the future. As soon as we turn to Jesus and fix our gaze on him we understand that we can trust him with our past, as well as the future.  In doing so, we experience his overwhelming love, compassion and peace.

One of my favorite verses is Philippians 2:13, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” We are not alone as we face 2024.  God is on our side.  The Holy Spirit was given to us, in part, to help us grow and finish well.  The Spirit is literally leading our way, by giving us the Father’s desires to motivate us.  Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceding on our behalf and cheering us on.
 
So, we can be as certain as Paul, when he encouraged his disciples in Philippi, that it is God, by grace, who will finish the good work within us.  As we, by faith, surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we will be pleasing to the Lord.

As we start the New Year, let’s remember that our Lord Jesus knows everything about us.  Even so, he chose us and loved us so much that he died so we could live with him forever. Believe the truth of how precious and cherished you are to God.  Choose to believe that Jesus is worthy of your trust. Then choose to love and obey him, no matter how your circumstances may appear.

You can rest in his presence, and be sure that his plans for you are just what you need.  Knowing that should cause you to praise God and join with him in his work of bringing Heaven to earth.

Dear friends, be blessed as you choose to surrender to Jesus and trust him with the year ahead. May you be covered in his wings of protection, held close to his heart and be restored in his peace and love.  Let’s praise God and thank him for his goodness and faithfulness to us! Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ January 3, 2024