"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
There's an old saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." But I say, "The more things change, the more they change." Change is inevitable. We know this. And let's face it, a lot of the changes that took place in 2023 were not good. There's a lot of bad out there.
Even with all the bad news, I have to admit I'm entering 2024 more hopeful than ever. There's absolutely no human reason for my hope. My hope isn't built on what takes place in Washington, DC or what the United Nations thinks or does. My hope is built on Jesus Christ, the Unchanging One. He is an unshakeable foundation for those who have placed their trust in Him.
I believe Jesus is what the population of the world is longing for, they just don't know it. Yet. So it's up to His followers to lead them to the Lord. There are many ways to do this. As many ways as there are Christians. Some as missionaries afar, and some as missionaries in their workplace or neighborhoods, or schools. Through the spoken word, through the written word, or through meeting the physical needs of those who are still searching. I'm sure you can come up with a list of your own.
I want 2024 to be my best year yet. And I want that for you, too. Let's purpose to stay in the word, be faithful in prayer, and keep our hearts tuned in to hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and then act on what He reveals to us.
Who knows? We might just be God's instruments of positive change in the world this year.
Today's music video Unchanging by Chris Tomlin is a song of praise to Jesus, the One who never changes. Enjoy!
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
Amen! The world does need hope. And Jesus is the only hope that we need. Happy New Year to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
Indeed, God does not change. And so our hope does not waver!
ReplyDeleteOn that note, the Hebrew phrase translated as "other gods" in the Ten Commandments, is "אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים" transliterated as "Elohim acherim". While the Hebrew word "אֲחֵרִים" transliterated as "acherim" is typically translated as "other" or "another", it more properly means "new", "next", "later", "after", "different", or "strange". Of course, we should not have other gods. But more so, we are being warned not to follow a new and different version of "God", one that has been changed. This is why we must read His Word so we will know His voice.
“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. (Malachi 3:6-7, NIV)
“You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3, NIV)
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28, NIV)
Well said! Wishing you and yours all the best for this new year, dear Nancy, hope it's a good one!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
This is certainly a hopeful message going into a new year. I'm with you, my hope (and I do feel hopeful!) is in Jesus alone, because He is the real and only source of hope. With Him in control, I honestly don't worry about the insanity going on here and abroad. I have a mission field in my own family, and pray constantly for opportunities to show what Jesus is all about. Your message here today is positive and inspirational! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOur greatest hope above all, is Jesus. No man can do for us what Jesus can and will do. Our hearts keep looking upward! Maranatha Lord Jesus!
ReplyDeleteI love this reminder, Nancy and love you! So glad you're entering 2024 on a positive note of what lies ahead!
ReplyDeleteEvery blessing for the New Year Nancy, you can't go wrong when your hope is in the Lord.
ReplyDelete