Isaiah 43:18-19
Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

As the New Year is here, we look up to God for His plans to be established in our lives. It may not look the same as you've planned but His ways and His plans are greater and, which glorifies Him above all.

The Lord is doing a new thing. Place your faith in Jesus and focus on loving others. Don't stress and overthink but find peace that comes from the Lord.

God promises us streams in the wasteland. Do not look into what the world has to say, but look into His promises and trust Him for your future.

Keep seeking God, read His word constantly and pray without ceasing.

Happy New Year prayers and blessings!

I asked for a Christmas poem.
He gave me a candle.

I asked for presents.
He multiplied the flames.

I asked for peace and quiet.
He laid out a trail,

Tiny embers dancing In my night, All excited for their job.
It had me Back in Jesus’ arms.

Stars can’t survive On the Earth’s plains,
So these flames Take their place

Just like Jesus Came down to meet us All
so we could find God Once more.

A Poem By Terra Walker.

Psalms 73:28
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.

We can draw near to God through Jesus. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, His death and resurrection, we are now positioned to boldly draw near and enter into God’s presence.

Drawing near to God and into His presence brings peace and comfort in our lives. Nothing and no one can take it away from us.

God loves it when we draw near to Him and give Him our time and attention. We are made to worship and glorify Him alone.

Peace and joy in the Lord are not just fleeting emotions, they are deeply rooted confidence in the goodness and love of God, and His purpose and plan for our lives.

Let's draw near to God everyday.

Psalm 19:8
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

We can experience the joy of the Lord by studying and following God's word and, communing with God through prayer and meditation.

When disappointments occur and people fail you, keep your focus on godly things rather than on difficult circumstances or discontentment.

We can also experience joy when we intentionally praise Him, remembering that He is near, praying, and keeping our minds focused on the good things of God (Philippians 4:8).

When we experience the joy of the Lord, it gives us strength (Nehemiah 8:10). True joy only comes from the Lord.

By abiding in Him and obeying Him, we find true joy of the Lord. Amen!

Ephesians 5:2
and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. (AMP)

As Christians we should walk in love, with agape love that Christ did. Agape love is sacrificial, unselfish, unconditional love that proves itself through actions.

Agape love perfectly describes God’s love for us. He gave Himself up for us on the cross. That is the Christ's sacrifice made on our behalf. The sacrifice here is described as fragrant offering.

Our heartfelt songs and prayers are like fragrant offerings. And also, the words we share about Him and the deeds we offer in His name spread sweet-smelling aroma.

When we follow Jesus, we walk in His love and spread His sweet aroma to others.

1 Peter 2:5
And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 

The foundation of God’s building is His Son, Jesus Christ, the living Stone. The living stones, in turn, are believers who come to Jesus and place their lives upon this foundation.

The living Stone is precious to those who believe, but some men reject the living Stone in order to build their lives their own way, not God’s way. Unbelievers cast this living Stone aside, not caring that Jesus is the only true foundation upon which they can build securely.

Peter references Jesus as the cornerstone in Acts chapter 4, stating that 'salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.'

When we are a living stone that means we are speaker of praise, a declarer of truth and love and light. The spiritual house God is building is designed for His glory, and we, the living stones, glorify the Lord in all we do.

It's our privilege and honor to carry the title 'Father' given by God our creator. We are made in His image and likeness, existing through His gift of life.

God has granted us to bear children through generations to come. Our impact is passed onto our children and grandchildren.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Since we share the word 'Father' from our Heavenly Father, it is humbling and honorable reminder of our responsibility to model heavenly Father's love and, care for our children and nurture them in His ways.

As children of our Father in heaven, let us represent Him well and follow Him as our role model.

Happy Father's Day!

Luke 24:5-6
The angels asked the women: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee.

This is the good news of Easter. Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death and the grave. He rose from the dead on Easter morning.

He is alive and well today. You will not find him among the dead, for he is among the living. And he offers new life to you.

The Bible tells us that those who trust in Christ will share in his resurrection. The fear of death and judgment is taken away.

That’s good news anytime! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Happy Easter!