There are many statements in our vocabulary about the word “change.” Some are positive, and some are not so positive. Things like: “You’re never going to change,” or ” There’s going to be some changes in personnel.” Maybe you’ve heard, “change is inevitable.” So you might ask, “Does anything ever stay the same?” Absolutely! Hebrews 13:8 tells us that we can trust in one absolute: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever.” You can trust that He will be eternally the same. I find hope in that. God bless you.
Credit the Creator
Have you ever created something? Maybe a drawing or painting, a sculpture, a wood working project? Did your creation bring you joy and satisfaction? Did you maybe have someone tell you what a great job you did? We serve a God who created heaven and earth! Have you thought to complement Him? Revelation 4:11 says: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Let’s make sure we remember to honor Him for all He has created! God bless you.
Our Remedy
None of us want to be sick. Being run down, weak, or helpless are not things we enjoy. Neither did Paul the Apostle. Fortunately, we have help and a promise. 2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” If the Apostle Paul could put his trust in Jesus when he was not at his best, we can trust him as well! God bless you!
Everybody Needs Rest
I think that all of us might agree that rest is important to our minds and bodies. Many people work five days a week, eight hours a day, and then we work at home on the sixth day. Some people even work every day taking care of family! We have a biblical example that we should take time to rest. Genesis 2:2 tells us, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” We should try hard to follow his example and devote that day of rest to Him who created it! May He richly bless you today.
Our Escape Plan
One man’s actions can cause untold destruction for an eternity. Adam’s original sin doomed all of mankind to God’s judgment. Romans 5:19 provides us hope that we can escape the judgment we deserve. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” God, in his infinite love for us, provided a way to escape His punishment. Jesus willingly gave His life for you and me. Let’s remember to give thanks for the gift he gave us! God bless you.
Our Most Valuable Possession
Sadly, we live in a world where most people value things: houses, cars, large investment portfolios. They just don’t understand what a trap that is! Luke 12:15 tells us the words of Jesus: “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” The most valuable thing we possess is the relationship we have with Christ! Let’s value that above all other things. God bless you today and always.
We Have Hope
Have you ever heard the expression, “All hope is lost?” The word hope appears 16 times in the book of Job, and most of those are about how Job had lost hope. He said in 7:6, “O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good (hope). Job faced many difficult things. Too bad Job didn’t have the New Testament. When we’re not sure of God’s plan for us, 1 Peter 1:3 tells us we have a living hope; 1:13 tells us to hope until the end; and 1:21 tells us that our faith and hope should be in the Lord. When we have tough times and feel sorry for ourselves, let’s all remember who has us in His hands. May He bless you and carry you through the tough times!
Nothing to be afraid of!
It is probably safe to say that many people are fearful about something, whether it is fear of the dark, spiders or snakes, being alone, flying, and maybe even of dying as a non-believer, facing eternity in darkness, separated from God. It is how we face our fears that makes the difference. Franklin Roosevelt said, “we have nothing to fear but fear itself.” As believers we have the ability to set our fears aside by reading scripture. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not I will help thee.” With God holding our hand, what do we have to be afraid of, amen? God bless you!
A Field Manual for Life
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!
