First of all, Happy New Year to all, and may God bless humanity with peace this year. May His Spirit and grace be with us in these trying times. Hold fast to your faith in Jesus and press into His Truth. He never fails. He is strong and will protect His obedient servants from fear and insecurity.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
~ 2 Timothy 1:7
God answers prayers for health, healing, and gives strength against the temptations to sin. If we fall, He is there to pick us up and help us if we call upon Him.
When times get tough in 2024 (as they surely will), remember that the Apostle Paul wrote to his friend, Timothy, these words of encouragement:
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation.
Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. ~ 2 Timothy 4:1-5 NLT
In about 67AD, Paul was facing execution in a Roman prison for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as the Risen Savior of the World. That is courageous faith that only God can supply. Rome had no patience in those days for anyone going around claiming fidelity to anyone besides Caesar. Yet Paul was not afraid to speak the truth about Jesus to anyone willing to listen. Taking his teaching to heart, I declare to each person reading this post that you are my people. I encourage you to share good teaching that is sound, wholesome, and truthful. Let's walk courageously as believers with a clear mind that discerns truth from lies; that accepts JESUS AS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, who suffered and died for our sins naked and innocent on a tree while FULLY CARRYING OUT THE MINISTRY GOD GAVE HIM.
We are required to do no less. Suffering is part of God's plan. Believers are no way guaranteed a life of luxury and ease. That is false teaching. Nowhere in God's Word did Jesus teach a prosperity gospel. That is preached by deceivers who prey upon people who have itching ears. What does that mean? Some people will only listen to what they want to hear; falsehoods not found in God's Scripture. The time is coming (and in fact is already here) when people refuse to listen to the truth in favor of lies.
Beloved, the hour of Christ's return to earth is near. Be prepared if you are not ready. Get right with our Father by trusting in His Son, Jesus, for salvation from sin. Work at a real relationship that is pleasing to God by reading His Word this year. It has the answers to our problems - not the politicians, world leaders, or news media. May selfish desires take a back seat to the will of Creator God this year. Share the Good News and work hard to fully carry out the ministry that God has planned for each of us. Everything that I write here includes me as well as readers. I do not measure up to God's standard for holiness except that Jesus paid my sin debt on the cross. I simply repeat the words of Christ as best I can without adding or subtracting His message to us all:
Jesus us coming
"Look, I am coming soon!
Blessed are those who obey the
words of prophecy written in this book." ~Revelation 22:7 NLT
"Look, I am coming soon,
bringing my reward with me
to repay all people according
to their deeds. I am the Alpha
and the Omega, the First and
the Last, the Beginning and
the End." ~Revelation 22:12-13 NLT
"I, Jesus, have sent my angel
to give you this message for the
churches. I am both the source
of David and the heir to his
throne. I am the bright
morning star."
The Spirit and the bride say,
"Come." Let anyone who hears this say,
"Come." Let anyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who desires drink freely
from the water of life. ~Revelation 22:16-17 NLT
Here's a New Year's Resolution for 2024 - Be good soldiers for Jesus Christ! What would that look like?
You have heard me teach things
that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses.
Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people
who will be able to pass them on to others.
Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life,
for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy
the fruit of their labor.
Think about what I am saying.
The Lord will help you understand all these things.
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David,
was raised from the dead.
This is the Good News I preach. ~ 2 Timothy 2:2-8 NLT
There is no other god in history where there are reliable witnesses willing to be executed for their testimony that a god has been raised from the dead and is ALIVE!!!
Only Jesus. That makes Him King of Kings and LORD of LORDS, with power over eternal life, Heaven and Hell, Death and the Grave. Worthy is the LAMB to be praised!
Friends, victory in Jesus; and all the best to you and yours in 2024.