Walking with Jesus through 2017
“God’s eternal love for us is the fountain from whence all his mercies flow to us; and that love of God is great love, and that mercy is rich mercy. And every sinner is a saved sinner; delivered from sin and wrath. The grace that saves is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God; and He saves, not by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus. Grace in the soul is a new life in the soul.” (Matthew Henry Commentary)
Father, on this snowy day in the beginning of this new year, there is no place I’d rather be than to “camp out” with you. Thinking about this new life you have given me gives me such joy. Your love for me is so great I can hardly wrap my mind around its reach. Thankfully, you have given me a new heart and through the Holy Spirit I am able to receive and experience such love. (Eph. 3:16,17). Because of your great gift, I am able to firmly root my heart and soul in your presence. It is in your presence I am able to fully access and receive fullness of joy. At your right hand, I have hope to receive pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)
Wow, a saved sinner, now this is truly something to be excited about! To know that I don’t have to carry around all the baggage from my sordid past, not even the smallest from yesterday is quite a relief! With your word on my lap I look forward in faith to what is to come.
I can have peace knowing that while Satan surely will attempt to rock my world emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially, your Word shall keep me stable. “He only is my rock and my salvation. My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.” Psalm 62:2.
I can have joy and hope in Your promises. And for me to be awake to the promises of Your Word, to have a willing spirit, and an open and pure heart, I must . . .
- make my spiritual life a daily priority;
- walk and talk with you daily in faith, hope, and love;
- listen to the ways and the word of the Holy Spirit
- build my relationship with Jesus by knowing him through His word;
- keep my hands, my head, and my heart always lifted and looking up, for my best life is yet to come.
“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head … Salvation belongs to the Lord; May your blessings be upon your people. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” Psalm 3:3,8
It is my prayer and my hope that all of us, as sisters in Christ, humble ourselves and pursue the privilege of walking with Jesus through 2017. He is our glory to whom we look upwards, to see His love, His mercy, His goodness, His faithfulness, and His blessings.
