Here we are at the beginning of the new year. The pages are clear and we do
not know what in God's will and wisdom will be written on each page. One
thing we do know, He is in control of all things! Each year at this time
my prayer is to KNOW Christ in a greater measure. This being the case I look
back over the past year to see if, in fact, there has been a growth in my
knowledge of the Lord and His ways. I would challenge all to take some time
to do this. This is a wonderful time to gratefully thank our wonderful Lord
for all His goodness. As the chorus of the song goes:

"With grateful hearts we say Thank You
For all things great and small,
With grateful hearts we say Thank you,
Thank You for it all."

We not only thank Him for the good and perfect gifts, but for the hard times
as well. For when we are pressed into the Lord, when only He can provide the
wisdom and comfort needed, we come to KNOW Him in a greater measure. So let
us open our hearts to the only wise God and let Him have His perfect way in
our lives that the pages of 2007 will be filled with the glory of our God.

Here are some verses of Scripture to keep in mind (add your own favorites)
as you walk in His Way:

"...He (God) chose us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and blameless before Him..." Ephesians 1:4

Christ Jesus, "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every
lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous
for good deeds." Titus 2:14

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

"Therefore...walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been
called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance
to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace."  Ephesians 4:1-3

And remember when the hard times come and they surely will:
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those
who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
And,
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

As the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:6,
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in
you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Amen!

Blessings to all in 2007!