Looking back on this year sparks conflicting emotions. We lost a precious loved one this year. He’s with Jesus now, and that is great cause for celebration; but we miss him. Grief led to depression and doubts about a lot of things. Social and political change also contributed to gloomy thoughts until, thankfully, repentance and prayers for forgiveness forged a bridge back to My Giver Of Life, Way Maker, and Light In The Darkness. Joy replaced sadness and God’s power conquered fear. It’s called redemption, folks!
Yes, thanksgiving rules over the last part of this year. I am thankful for so much. Praise God for love and never giving up on me. He led me beside His still waters and refreshed my soul. Yes, even when I walk through the darkest places in my mind, He reminds me to fear no evil, for He is with me. HALLELUJAH!! WHAT A SAVIOR!!
Do you know Him today as your Redeemer? I pray that you do. And if not, please accept His gift of forgiveness for sin and redemption today – before the New Year of 2022 begins. You can make it a new 2022 beginning in your life with Jesus in charge. It’s FREE and so simple to humbly accept Him as your Savior. Email me at sherron@thefragranceofchrist.com to help walk you through it if you wish. I will consider it an honor and a personal blessing!
On the positive side, I rededicated my life to Christ and was re-baptized in 2021. God responded by blessing me greatly for my stand on faith. Even though I am not able to live a perfect Christian life for God, I agree with the Apostle Paul when he was under house arrest in Rome and wrote to the church at Philippi about persevering:
I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. ~ Philippians 3:12b-15a NLT
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all that you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. ~ Philippians 4:4-6 NLT
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the peace of God will be with you. ~ Philippians 4:8-9 NLT
At the moment I have all I need – and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me … They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen. ~ Philippians 4:18-20 NLT
May we all be blessed with the riches of our Father God through our walk with Jesus in 2022. Let’s make 2022 a banner year of love for our neighbors and service for Christ! May Health, Joy, and Peace that surpasses all understanding be yours in the coming year … and beyond.
I extend agape love to each of you visiting this blog and a warm thank you for spending the time to read this post.
In the New Year 2022: