Hebrews 3:6 ” But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.”

It is a special exercise of our faith when we face fear and doubt head on.  At that moment, we need to hold fast to the truth with confidence and boldness that no matter what – God is still there and in control.

I Timothy 2: 9-10 ” I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

These verses tell us that we shouldn’t be calling attention to ourselves by our outward appearances…but rather the emphasis should be on holy living and good works.  This was really brought to life years ago at a Church we were attending.  The members dressed very nicely…to the point it was almost a style show every Sunday.  But one Sunday the Pastor stood at the pulpit and rebuked the entire congregation with this story.  A family had visited the Church for the first time and had enjoyed the service but they felt they couldn’t come back…because they didn’t have nice clothes to wear  and felt embarrassed.  Our Pastor admonished us all and then wondered out loud just how many other visitors might have felt the same way.  He then requested that we seriously reconsider how we dressed for Church.

Hebrews 13: 20-21 ” May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. “

Everything you need to live a victorious, righteous life…every detail, every means of accomplishment, every plan and procedure,  the Lord has not only prepared, but  also provided for you.  He is constantly working in our lives to bring out the very best in us.  The Lord desires you to  succeed…and He equips you  with everything to do so.

Romans 3:20 ” Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the Law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”

The writer of Romans, Paul, reasoned that obedience to the Law cannot justify one before God – because no one can keep the Law perfectly.  For the very nature of the Law was to prove to us that we’re sinful…and the purpose of the Law was to lead us from our futile attempts at keeping it to putting our trust in Jesus instead.

Hebrews 1:3 ” The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being…”

We look like our parents…we possess characteristics  from both of them.  Our DNA is a family history from generations past.  Jesus was that perfect expression of His Heavenly Father.   Jesus Himself said in John 14:9, ” Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.”  God’s divine glory and splendor took on flesh and came down here to earth to live among us…and His name was Jesus Christ.

Psalm 33:11 ” But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”

From the moment of creation…to the furthest reaches of the future, there are two things that will never change about God.  He will never lie, and He will never change His mind. (Numbers 23:19)  The plans he puts into motion are driven by divine wisdom and love and will never see failure…for He is God.

Romans 1:8 ” First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”

Every time you share your faith with someone…every time you openly declare your trust and belief in Jesus Christ…God’s word reaches farther into the world.  Little did I know when I started this Daily Devotional a little over three years ago that it would now be reaching over 100 countries around the world.  As it states in Romans 10:17, “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”  Our faith and belief in the Gospel message, when shared with others, catapults His Word to the far-flung reaches  of this world.

Psalm 94:11 ” The Lord knows the thoughts of man; He knows that they are futile.”

The Lord knows them all…every ill-intended, evil thought.  He sees every vain and worthless plan, and will  listen to every ridiculous scheme when we’re trying to impress Him with our wisdom. To paraphrase I Corinth. 3:20,  The wisdom of the world is utterly absurd and ridiculous to God is so very true.  Every time we think we know it all…we need to remember that we know nothing.

Jude 1:2 ” Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.”

On this first day of 2016,  I pray this scripture over you and yours.  May the Lord’s compassion be ever evident in your life…may you discover true peace that is only brought about by God’s tender mercy,  granting you deliverance and freedom from sin…and may His unconditional love shine brightly on you as you journey ahead in this new year.  God loves you!

Mark 9:23 ” Everything is possible for him who believes.”

To the outside world, trusting in Jesus Christ is just plain crazy. To many people, placing your faith in the Gospel is ludicrous. But to the Believer…hope is forged, one faith-building miracle at a time. The world may shake its head in scorn at your trust…but belief in Jesus will never disappoint.