During my time in the Army, I learned a great many things by using field manuals. These manuals taught everything from how to march and salute to how to survive in combat. These manuals were written to save time and to help keep me from making the same mistakes others had made before me. We have the greatest field manual ever written, the bible! It instructs us in every facet of our life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” I pray that this manual is used every day by all of us. God bless you!
A Beacon of Light
We have a beacon to light our way in this new year. It’s God’s word! When the road ahead is especially dark, it’s a floodlight for us; when we need comfort, it’s a calming table lamp. Psalm 119:105 says: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” His word can be like sunshine for us on dreary day. It can also be a lighthouse when we share it with others! When we spend time in it, we ourselves become radiant. Let’s try to make it a point this year to dwell in the light His word provides and share it with others. I pray his light will shine upon you this year!
Hope for the Future
It’s almost New Years 2025. It’s a time for new beginnings, new plans, and new hopes. Almost everyone looks for something hopeful. Micah 7:7 says: Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” For this upcoming year, let’s hope for something and someone meaningful, let’s look for the Lord. God bless you!
Help and Hope
Sadly, even in the most joyous of seasons, there are many who may be alone or depressed. We need to pray for those who are experiencing loss this Christmas season: relational, financial, spiritual, and physical. We have to let people know that HE is The Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. Let’s remember that there is something to look forward to: Luke 2:10 tells us, “And an angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Let’s pass that good news along, amen? God bless you!
Know Peace!
As we approach Christmas, we see a world in chaos. Instead of focusing on the birth of our Savior, some might be tempted to be concerned about the state of the world, but I think we can be focused on what is found in scripture. We have nothing to be concerned about! John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let be afraid.” I am reminded of a once popular bumper sticker that said: “No Jesus, no peace, know Jesus, know peace.” I pray you have peace during this season, God bless you!
Bread and Water
I have heard it said that prisoners used to only receive bread and water for nourishment. There are also people in the world who might only have bread and water as their daily subsistence. As Christians, we are supplied with all we need to survive. John 6:35 tells us: “And Jesus said unto them, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” That sounds like a very fine meal to me. God bless you!
Giving Thanks
By now, the turkey is probably sandwich meat, and the ham bone is in the freezer waiting for New Years and black-eyed peas. It’s been a long year so far, maybe with losses, definitely with blessings. We all have plenty to grateful for. Let’s remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Thanksgiving is not just a holiday it’s an attitude of praise. An anonymous quote says, “God’s giving deserves our thanksgiving.” God bless you throughout this holiday season!
Set the Example
Imagine if Jesus and one of his apostles got into a heated argument that was witnessed by a follower. Think about the damage that might cause in a church congregation. Sadly, it happens all too often. I am reminded of John 15:12 that says, “This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.” If we become involved in an uncomfortable situation, we can choose to become a part of it, or we can choose to resolve it. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Let’s all try to be peacemakers, amen? God bless you.
Our Protector
Have you ever had to stand up for someone or something and have been attacked for it, or maybe for just standing up for our beliefs and values? Some of us may have experienced volatile situations in recent months. Some of us may have faced rejection and ridicule for witnessing. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:10: Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” Remember that no matter what we are facing, God is with us! I pray He blesses you today.
He’s Always Thinking of Us
Willie Nelson wrote a song titled, “You were always on my mind.” That’s the way God feels about us. Think about that for a minute. He knows us; we are always on His mind. He knows where we go, what we do and think, and He always knows what we need. Imagine that: God, who created the universe and keeps all things in perfect balance, considers us so worthwhile that we are always on His mind. Psalm 139:7 says, “How precious are your thoughts unto me, O God! How great and marvelous is the sum of them.” Let’s praise Him for always thinking about us! God bless you.
