Be a Beacon for Jesus Love in 2013~

We stand at the threshold of a brand New Year with all the possibilities that await us. As you approach this New Year, have you decided who will accompany you on this journey of year 2013?

No doubt you will have your family and friends to accompany you on your journey, but we all know that each New Year is fraught with peaks and valleys along the way. It's called life and it sure it nice to know that when you hit the low points, there will always be one that can help you no matter what you face, if you'll let Him. Can you see Him? Can you find Him when you are hurting? You need to only seek His face and He will always be there. One of the His great Psalms of comfort and assurance is: 

Psalm 121: - 1-8

" I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." 

                                       "I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, where does my help come from?

                                           My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth."

Do you find comfort in that verse, like I do? You need help? All you gotta do is ask! What a relief!What a glorious promise that is.

So, the "Holidays" which originally were known as "Holy Days," a term set aside in the 1500's to give reverence and worship to God Almighty, will officially be over in a few days, and back to the grind we go. Many people are let down after the big build up of Christmas and New Years and all the excitement that goes with it. The parties, the parades, the Christmas lights, making and decorating cookies, gift shopping and giving will be behind us, and admittedly even I have had some years of feeling let down after the build up of this festive season. Haven't you?

But there is so much to be hopeful about as we face a brand New Year. Only the Lord knows the paths we will take, for He hold our futures, but the possibilities truly are limitless. It can be scary, not knowing what lies ahead, but with the Creator of the Universe by your side, there is absolutely nothing to fear. He will catch you when you fall. He will be there to rescue you no matter what your situation or circumstance. It's a promise, it's a guarantee and our Lord God doesn't break His promises, EVER. His plan for you was laid out before the beginning of time. The beloved scripture passage from Jeremiah 29:11 affirms that for us  "For 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.". Relax, it's under control. His control, and there's nothing to be anxious about - ever. 

  

                                                       "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.".....

You may have a path already set or be in the middle of achieving your dream, or you may be beginning something totally new. One thing is for sure, if you rely on the Lord and His Word, He won't let you down. Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight." Such a GREAT scripture! With so much promise! It's such a simple promise, but so often we run away from it, wanting to do things our way, thinking we have a better plan.

But we are wrong. If our plans don't line up with His, it simply isn't going to work out and that's just a fact.  "Trust and Obey and leave the consequences to Him" as my favorite TV Pastor Dr. Charles Stanley always says. The best laid plans of mice and men don't amount to anything, if they aren't in accordance with God's plan for you and your life.

But to find His will, you have to seek it through prayer and bible reading. Another great promise is from John 15:5 "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit." What a wonderful thing that would be to bear fruit for the Lord! It's possible if you seek His face and read His Word. It truly is that simple. Wouldn't it be a glorious thing to bear fruit for your Lord Jesus Christ in 2013. Think of the possibilities that brings! Working for the Kingdom of God! Nothing could be any better. Nothing!

                                                      You can step out in Boldness for Jesus in 2013!

So friends, don't be shy! I challenge you to step out in 2013 with Boldness in your Faith in Jesus and His plan for you. He will back you up, He will not let you slip or fall, He's got your back, ALWAYS! That's an absolute Promise! Happy New Year everyone and may all your dreams come true in 2013. It's gonna be a GREAT YEAR!

My verses for today are above in red.

My prayer for the New Year:

Dearest Heavenly Father:

I come to you today with much humility and confession that I have not always trusted everything you do all the time. I have wavered Lord, and I am sorry for my lack of faith. Help me Lord to believe ALL your promises and to Stand Boldly as your instrument in 2013. We have so many people hurting in this world Lord. Help me to be a beacon of your love that others might see you through me.

    I pray, Amen and Amen