Hello! As the New Year 2023 approaches very soon, I thought these resources were helpful to reflect on the past year 2022, and move to the new year 2023 with us walking closer to Jesus Christ. I don’t know about you but I need Jesus more and more every year!
1. I tend to be harsh on myself and so I like to ask God to forgive me and all the mistakes that I made in 2022. Satan is a great accuser and so he does a good job of accusing me of all the wrong things I have done and said which puts me in despair. When my heart condemns me, I ask Jesus to forgive and cover me with His blood. Here is a good devotional for anyone dealing with regrets and self-disappointment – https://www.worldchallenge.org/devotion/dealing-disappointment-ourselves
Corrie ten Boon said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look at yourself, you’ll be depressed. If you look at Jesus, you’ll be at rest.” So please don’t look at yourself too much as you reflect back on 2022. Just learn from your mistakes and move on. Study Jesus instead, and you’ll be in peace as you enter 2023.
2. Dr. Tony Evans speaks about how to enter the new year from a biblical standpoint. He first starts off with defining what success is according to the Bible, not what the world say. Redefining the meaning of success was probably one of the very first principles that I had to learn when I started to follow Jesus Christ as a disciple again. Therefore it is very important how we define success from God’s perspective. I suggest you adhere your definition to God’s word in the Bible.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tony-evans-sermons-on-oneplace-com/id406782386?i=1000591652882
3. Here is a great prayer for the new year from Dr. Billy Graham. Please pray this on your own and with your family members if they are willing.
Billy Graham’s Prayer for a New Yearbillygraham.org
4. I was scrolling through my phone notes to look for an old note and I came across these two poems. I don’t remember where I read them first but I am super glad that I saved them because they ministered to me again. May these two poems bless you too.
Don’t Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit – rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – you may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man;
often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup; and he learned too late when the night came down,
how close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out – the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
and when you never can tell how close you are,
it may be near when it seems afar;
so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit – it’s when things seem worst,
you must not quit.
-by Edgar A. Guest
Poem Submitted By Ed Bernot, Principal, Central Catholic High School, Pittsburgh, PA
*NEVER EVER GIVE UP…..*
Be an *Esther*, bold and courageous enough to stand for the truth, to voice your opinion and fight for the good of others, even when it means to sacrifice yourself.
If God has put you in a position, it is for a purpose. Never be afraid to heed to that inner voice.
Be a *Ruth*, loyal in all your relationships, walk the extra mile and don’t quit when things get tough. Someday, you’ll see why it was all worth the effort.
Be a *Lydia*, let your homes be open, let your hands be generous, let your hearts be big enough to help anyone in need.
Joy is greatest when shared.
Be a *Hannah*, never cease to pray. It will never be in vain.
Be a *Mary*, humble and submissive. You don’t have to be great for God to use you, you just need to obey.
Be a *Dorcas*, use your talents, however small it may seem to bring a smile on someone’s face.
You’ll never know how much it can mean to someone.
Be an *Abigail*, remember how each decision can turn your life around for good or bad. Be wise.
Be an *Elizabeth*, never doubt what God can do. He is the God of many miracles.
Be a *Mary Magdalene*, never let your mistakes and judgments of other people stop you from experiencing the joy of Jehovah.
Be a *Rebekah*, never forget that true beauty lies within. Draw all your loved ones closer to God through your Christ-like character.
Lastly be a *Sarah* age doesn’t matter, Trust & believe that all things are possible with God according to His time.
5. Pastor Johnson shared that as a pastor the ones who really concern him are the believers who give up – those who take off their “boxing gloves” and are no longer fighting for their faith. I totally agree with him since this happened to me in my mid-20s. I gave up. I put away my “boxing gloves” and stopped fighting the good fight of my faith. And that is why I want to encourage you as we enter into 2023, to not give up on your faith. Please listen to his short message and also receive the prayers at the end.
The Power of EnduranceMarked for Eternity · December 20, 2022
6. British prime minister Winston Churchill was a leader during WWII. The more I learn about WWII, the more I appreciate his leadership under incredible circumstances and pressure. His word to his people during the dark times of war is my daily motto and prayer – “Never, never, never give up.” It is only by God’s grace, mercy and power that we can overcome this evil world with a tender heart and soul. Giving up will lead to despair, and then apathy and hardness. Our ultimate destiny is heaven and so our prayers should be that we enter heaven with faith, love and trust – basically a tender heart and soul for God and others.
That’s it for my last sharing of 2022! I look forward to serving you again in 2023. God bless you abundantly! Xoxo
Journal of Faith 