Ephesians 6: 10-11 ” Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Satan is out there  trying to trick and mislead us everyday with false and slanted truths.  It’s hard to filter out what’s true…what’s a lie, and what’s just drivel .  That’s why it’s so important to put on the entire protection of God.  No part of us can be left vulnerable…all must be covered by God’s presence and strength…for it’s then that we can stand strong.

II Timothy 2:15 ” Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

The word of truth – the Gospel Message – is the saving truth in which we must believe in order to obtain forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  The word of truth is a light and guide for our journey in this world…making our path illuminated and straight.  Our responsibly is to heed and  obey that word of truth.

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.

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!

Proverbs 15:16 ” Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. “

With great riches, can come great drama.  But  the fear of the Lord offers none of that turmoil.  The world can chase after great fortunes…I’d much rather live a happy, content life in the Lord… minus the chaos.

Galatians 1: 3-5 ” Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the Will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The present evil age continues even today.  The world is teeming with wickedness, sorrow and pain, but despite everything,  the Lord’s good pleasure in carrying out His divine purpose is still moving forward.  This present evil age will continue…”But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

Zephaniah 2:3 ” Seek the Lord all you humble of the land, you who do what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility…”

All Believers should be challenged by this verse to seek the Lord even more sincerely…even more seriously.  Do not waiver in the Lord…do not  become lukewarm in your zeal.  Don’t allow the brokenness of the world today  to cause you to become apathetic and indifferent in your pursuit of the Lord.  Instead, seek Him with all your heart, mind, and soul.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 “…A time to be silent and a time to speak…”

When fear wraps around our mouth we are unable to speak.  We are helpless to defend the afflicted, the weak, the poor and needy.  We instead watch in silence as people are bullied, ridiculed, and oppressed.  Fear mutes us, making us  frightened of the  possibility of  retribution or embarrassment.  Fear will wrap around our mouth, and take away our voice.

II Chronicles 16:9 ” For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

Who is your reliance on?  If it’s man, you’ll be constantly disappointed.  But the Lord is ever there for you, supporting and encouraging … always present to be your cheerleader and confidante.  And the result for you…a soul at peace in all situations.

II Corinthians 5:7 ” We live by faith, not by sight.”

I tend to be a real visual person. I like to see something, rather than have it described to me. Abstract concepts are easier to grasp, if I can look at something first. But my faith in the Lord is not anything I can grasp in my hand and gaze at. Rather, my trust and belief in Jesus is based on the unseen…my obedience founded on the eternal.