Today puts the finishing touch on 2017. Let us rejoice and give thanks for the good things that have come to us this year, and for all that the Lord has shown us, and taught us. Let us go forth into the new year with great expectation of good things to come. Through faith in Christ Jesus, we become baptized by the Holy Spirit into His body, and thus become One with Him, and thus a child of God the Father. The Word says, “His name is Good. He is Love. He is our Friend.” (Psalm 52:9) (1 John 4:8) (John 15:13-15), and He wants good things for His Children. Therefore expect good things to come in 2018.
The Lord declared, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Expect good things to come.
If you have been sick or wounded, because of a physical, or emotional issue, He declared, “I will restore you to health, and heal your wounds.” (Jeremiah 30:17) He wants us to be well, and whole in every way, and makes it so as we go to Him. Expect good things to come.
The Lord declares: “As the rain and snow come down from Heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower, and bread for the eater, so is my Word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55: 10-11) Expect good things to come. His Word will not fail.
We have just celebrated the coming of Christ Jesus. May we remember each day why He came. He said “I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” When we accept Him into our lives, we have eternal life, (John 3:16 – 17), and life to the full in the kingdom here on earth -now. Our Father knows what we need. (Matthew 6: 32-33) Expect good things to come.
There are hundreds of promises in God’s Word that tells us how He feels about us, and wants for us. And this is the truth about them all: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ Jesus. And so through Him, the “Amen” is spoken by us to the Glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) Expect good things to come as we speak His promises and say, “Amen”. That means, “I agree.”
As we move tomorrow into the New Year, let us begin the day saying “Yes” to Christ. He is the Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1: 1-2)
When we open our eyes let our first thought be of Christ as we praise Him for another day. When we lay down to sleep, let our last thought be of Christ as we thank Him for the day, and lift up those in need of prayer. As we move into our day, it is important to get into the Word in some way. The Bible, a devotional, an audio or other favorite way you have – just get there. If only for a couple of minutes if necessary. 10 or 15 minutes or longer if possible. He is where the bread of life is. He is the source for all things needed. (John 1:3), says that “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” When we believe that He shed His blood for us taking all of our sins, and diseases, and weaknesses, and poverty in every area upon Himself, and giving us His righteousness in return, we can expect good things to come when we pray. He said, “All things are possible for the one who believes.” (Mark 9:23)
As we studied the first years of Jesus, we saw that the Magi came from far away, some estimate well over a year in getting there, to worship the King in Bethlehem. He was a Baby, but He was King, then and now. They spent time and effort to get to Him. They gave Him gifts because He is King. All He wants from us is to just believe that He is, and to let Him be who He can be in our lives. We can expect Good things to come as we look to Him. All things are in His hands. Let us live in that truth in 2018, and for always.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, GOD’S BELOVEDS. MAY YOU AND YOURS BE BLESSED IN ALL THINGS AND IN ALL WAYS. YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED.
Poppa B.