May you remember the enduring love of the Lord.
As you remember who he is,
what he has done,
and what he continues to do,
May you give thanks for his goodness,
his mercy, and his Grace.
And in all you do,
may that enduring love guide you
in who you are,
in what you do,
and in who you hope to be.
If your heart is broken,
if you cry until tears no longer come,
if your spirit is poured out in agony
and you grieve with terrible loss,
remember.
Though the Lord brings grief,
he also shows compassion.
He does not enjoy hurting people,
or causing them sorrow.
The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
It is good
to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord.
For his faithfulness is great,
his mercy eternal.
May you place your hope in Him.
Do you feel like God is far away?
Are you confronted with enemies at every turn?
Do you feel alone and helpless?
God knows the hopes of he helpless,
he hears your cries,
and will comfort you.
Cry out to the Lord
raise your voice to him,
and he will hear you.
He will not ignore you
or belittle your suffering.
He will not turn his back on you
but will listen to your cries for help.
May you feel the warmth of the presence of Christ,
before you,
behind you,
around you.
Draw strength from his presence,
comfort from his provision.
Lean on his outstretched arm.
And in all you do,
may you allow the Spirit of God to transform you daily
into the perfect image of Christ.
You stand at the beginning and wait,
hopeful,
fearful,
expectant.
Before you lie plans and possibilities,
hopes and dreams,
an uncertain path.
But God walks with you.
As you journey in a new year,
may you walk close to him,
relying on his strength
coveting his protection,
clinging to his arm.
Until you return, remember the glory of God.
When you see the stranger or person in need,
may you be the hands and feet of Christ,
offering food, drink, and grace
to all you meet
serving in truth the God you profess.
What is it that stops you from forgiving others?
Is it the pain of the wrong
burned into your mind and heart swelling up,
causing new pain and hurt?
Is it your pride
stinging from perceived injustice,
not believing people deserve a second chance?
Is it your sense of self righteousness
causing you to somehow believe
some people aren’t good enough to be forgiven?
Whatever the reason,
the words of Jesus are the same:
If someone sins against you,
forgive them.
If they do it again,
forgive them.
As often as you’re wronged,
so often should you forgive.
And when you seem to reach the end of your patience,
remember the mercy and forgiveness
of a God who cancels your debt
time
and time
and time again.
What blessings has God bestowed in your life?
Friends,
family,
ability,
wealth,
knowledge?
Acknowledge your blessings - treasures in life.
Reflect on God’s grace - unmerited favor to you.
Respond to God’s gifts,
earning a valuable increase for the Kingdom
with the investment you’ve been given.
Where are you right now?
Are you rejoicing,
aware of God’s blessings,
bathing in the warmth of his provision and grace?
Are you broken, hurting,
feeling lost and alone,
uncertain of God’s presence or care?
Await with eager anticipation His return,
knowing that wherever you may be,
Christ’s desire
is to draw you closer to himself.
Have you ever seen a fruit tree, branches full with nature’s harvest, limbs heavy, burdened under the load?
Imagine how it provides for all those around it - human, animal, insect and plant - a source of benefit for all in its range.
May you be that tree:
a source of beauty,
of richness,
of wonder.
May you soak up the richness of God’s provision,
and in return,
may you give richly to those around you,
blessing them not only because of your good deeds,
but by the goodness of who you are