We’ve been on an amazing and profound journey this year. Thank you for taking it with me. As the year draws to a close and we prepare for a new year, I pray that you will continue the journey of discovering who you are in Christ: a child of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
I am struck as I think back through these daily devotionals, how much I learned personally about living in the presence of God, trusting Him as our Father and Savior, and discovering that our faith is based on a personal, intimate relationship with God. I hope you did too.
My heart is filled with awe, humility, and gratitude for what Jesus did for us on the cross. His shed blood gives us the hope of resurrection and makes our redemption and healing possible.
Jesus changed the world’s perception of reality, love, and faith when He told us, “the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Then He invited us to live in that kingdom, where we are loved and filled with the Holy Spirit, strengthened to love one another, and live the abundant life He desires for us.
With the promise of Lamentations 3:22, we can begin every day with hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Those words make me want to sing! Every morning we wake up to a new day, and new mercies that never end. Every day we are given a new chance to live, to walk with God, to start fresh. Morning is a resurrection every day!
This day, today, and every day in the New Year, I pray that you awake with joy, knowing the Lord will take your hand and continue the journey you began together.
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” —Psalm 118:24
Happy New Year! With love and blessings, Pastor Ray
