Hebrews 2:1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

Remember with me the very first time you heard the Gospel Message explained to you.  At that moment, the gift of Salvation was offered and you accepted.  But since that time, when you hear the Gospel Message, does it still stir you with thankfulness and gratitude, or are you apathetic to the words?  This scripture tells us to be on guard of falling away from our first love, and becoming a lukewarm Christian.

I Corinthians 4:20 ” For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”

You can tell someone about God.  You can share what He’s done in your life, and how you’ve been changed.  But words are empty until the Holy Spirit reveals to that person the true nature and reality of the might and  authority of God .

Galatians 4:9 ” But now that you know God – or rather are known by God…”

To know God is a journey that takes a lifetime…each day drawing nearer and receiving more.  But the true miracle is being known by Him.  For there will come a day when we all must stand before the Lord… either to be recognized and acknowledged or rejected.

Revelation 21:3-4 ” And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ “

Our body is the Temple of the living God…with the Holy Spirit  residing within our hearts.  We are a new creation…our old self has fallen away and we can stand before the Father free from the chains and baggage that have hindered us in the past.  The Lord will wipe our tear-stained face and smile lovely into our eyes…and all the past will be gone.

I Timothy 4:7-8 “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Paul was spurring Timothy on to develop exemplary habits, thoughts, and behaviors…  And this would also hold true for us today.  For it’s by discipline and instruction that we become the person God wants us to become.  And in the end, we will reap the benefit of blessings in this present life and eternal life to come.

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!

Luke 2:14 ” Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”

The angels were heralding the coming of Messiah to all mankind.  They were announcing to everyone that harmony and prosperity has always been God’s benevolent plan for the world.  And even today, the Lord’s purpose and motive for the earth remains  good and righteous.

Psalm 68:19 ” Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”

The Lord Jesus Christ is the God of Salvation.  He sustains, supports, and carries us…even when we’re  unaware of His hand on us.   There’s no need to be saddled with the burdens of today – the stress, anxiety, and troubles you’re facing –  Jesus wants to carry for you.  Give them to Him.