As the year begins, there is much to be thankful for as we look back on 2024. There is excitement and enormous potential in the new year. Believe God for His manifold blessings. The Lord gives favor to His people. He opens doors, brings opportunities, and His goodness and mercy follow us. We are blessed going out and coming in according to Deuteronomy 28. We are the head, not the tail. We should lend and not borrow. Our children are blessed and multiplied. Those who fear the Lord receive His covenant blessings. That is what Jacob found out after he ran from his brother Esau. He was afraid Esau would take revenge on him for stealing his birthright. But God intervened in a miraculous way. The brothers reconciled and Jacob learned to trust the Lord Almighty. We can lean on God in times of trouble. Psalm 91:9-10 says that those who make the Lord their refuge even the Most High God their habitation; no evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your house. Declare God’s Word over your life and walk in the amazing covenant promises of God.
When we reach out to the poor, hurting, addicts, inmates, students, and abused men, women, and children, this is our message: You have a friend in the Lord Jesus Christ. He will never leave you and will keep you safe from harm. In Him alone is eternal life. We all need a Savior for we have all fallen short of God’s holiness. There is no sin in heaven. Jesus forgives those who repent and offers them eternal life.