Tomorrow we begin a new year.  The pages are clear for we do not know what in God’s wisdom and will are to be written on each page.  One thing we do know is that He is in control of all things!  To know Christ Jesus more and in a deeper measure is my heart’s desire.  This being the case I look back over 2023 to see if, in fact, there has been any growth in my knowledge of my Lord and of  His ways.  I would challenge all to take time to do this.  This is a wonderful time to gratefully thank our wonderful Lord for all His goodness.

As the song says:
“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’s open our hearts to the only wise God and let Him have His perfect way in our lives that the pages of 2024 will be filled with glory to our God.

Here are some verses of Scripture to keep in mind (add your own favorites) as we 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 surely they 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 Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

As the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:6 (and to us),
“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.”

All praise, honor and glory to Most Holy God. And blessings to all in the coming new year!  Amen