New Year's Resolutions

I've never been one to make "new year's resolutions."  But as we have entered this new year, I've felt the Lord reminding me of His promises.  They are firm and sure year after year - unchanging - always true - always available.  They are God's "resolutions" to us.  In the NEW year, the OLD promises are what we can hold onto!  Here are just a few of my favorites:

"Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  Matthew 28:20  One version says "until the end of the world."

"God is faithful.  He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure."  1 Corinthians 10:13  He never allows more to come our way than we can handle and endure with His grace and help.

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  2 Corinthians 12:9

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22,23

"The joy of the Lord is my strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

"I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.  "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

"The Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through ALL generations."  Psalm 100:5

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him."  Nahum 1:7

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed."  Isaiah 54:10  Through wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, whatever comes our way - He is our sure steady helper!

The list of promises is ENDLESS!!!  I could go on and on.  Whenever I'm facing something that is too much for me - taking a few minutes to sit and meditate on God's incredible promises gives me fresh courage to persevere.  He is so very faithful!

God is Good

After my sister passed away recently, a friend sent me a lovely card and message.  One thing she said stood out to me - "God is good. He is for us and with us.  Period!"

That says it all.  That's all we need to know as we enter a new year.  He's been with us every minute of every day all through our lives - and He'll continue to be with us.  He, more than anyone else, is for us too!

I face a few challenges in the days ahead.  It was so timely to be reminded of God's care.

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  Psalm 91:4

Ready for Some Wins!

While it seems unbelievable that we're already in a new year, when I look back at 2024 I see what a hard year it was.  I felt like I was on a constant roller coaster, and there were so many "low" spots.  Somehow in my mind I thought that after Floyd passed away things would get easier.  But that hasn't been the case.  The battles have just been different.

A friend in Holland had a hard year as well.  Her son gave her a special wish for the new year:

May the wars you fought in 2024

Be the wins you celebrate in 2025.

I loved that!  I'm wishing and praying that as well.  I'm ready for some "wins" - not only from this past year, but from the last 10 years.  My friend prayed for a year of rest, peace, and wins.  Bring it on, Lord!

I've heard from others who have faced illness and have lost family members and friends.  May God meet each of us where we are and with what our needs are.  He is faithful!

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

"Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be."  Job 8:7

"For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.  And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves."  Malachi 4:2 

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun."  Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Word has wonderful promises for us as we enter this new year.  I'm holding on to them, and trusting the Lord to bring them to pass.  He has good things in store for us!