Seeds Of Hope Daily Devotional: New Years

Showing posts with label New Years. Show all posts

Monday, December 31, 2018

Looking For God in 2019

“You chart the path ahead of me and tell me

when to stop and rest.
Every moment you
know where I am.” Psalm 139:3

“The Lord says, “‘I will guide you along the
best pathway for your life. I will advise you
and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8

“Because of Christ, we have received an
inheritance from God, for He chose us from
the beginning and all things happen just as
He decided years ago.” Ephesians 1:11

“The Lord will work out His plans for my
life – for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures
forever. Don’t abandon me, for You made
me!” Psalm 138:8

“Seek His will in all you do and He will
direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

Prayer: Grant us wisdom, give us faith, increase our trust and watch over us each day, Father, as we seek Your plan for our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:3: Psalm 32:8; Ephesians 1:11; Psalm 138:8; Proverbs 3:6

Looking For God in 2019

“You chart the path ahead of me and tell me

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:3: Psalm 32:8; Ephesians 1:11; Psalm 138:8; Proverbs 3:6

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Some Final Words

Often what we find depends on what we look for. Here are a few things to look for in the days we will face together:

Look for God’s presence. When fear grips us or failure would defeat us, or if life’s challenges seem to be larger than we are or the nights are longer than usual, remember, we are never alone if Jesus rules and reigns in our lives. He promised that “He will never leave us nor forsake us.” When life turns to shambles, He will wrap His loving arms around us and protect us because He is with us.

Look for God’s power. The psalmist said that “God is our refuge and strength.” Often we look to people for insights and advice when we are faced with difficult problems. But their solutions are never as good as the solutions that come from God. God is the greatest asset any Christian has but we must go to Him and draw from His strength and power.

Look for God’s provision. “My God shall supply all your needs.” Though we may fail Him, He will not fail us. Though we may fail to claim His promises, it does not mean they are not available. If we look to and trust in Him, He will not let us down.

Prayer: Father, we look to You in faith believing that You will meet our every need if we trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Kings 8:56-58; Psalm 46:1-3; Philippians 4:19

Some Final Words

Often what we find depends on what we look for. Here are a few things to look for in the days we will face together:

Prayer: Father, we look to You in faith believing that You will meet our every need if we trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Kings 8:56-58; Psalm 46:1-3; Philippians 4:19

Saturday, December 29, 2018

What To Expect In 2019

As we come to the close of this year and face the uncertainties that are before us in the year to come, it is important to pause, listen to and accept a promise from our God:

“For 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.

In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you search for me with all your heart, you will find me, declares the Lord.”

This is one of God’s if – thens. There can be no misunderstanding of what He is talking about in this passage of Scripture. God knows our future. He very carefully designed it in our best interest to enable us to find and follow His will. Because He knows our future, He assures us that it can be one of goodness and hope – not one of disaster.

But if we want this future that contains goodness and hope we must study His Word and go to Him in earnest prayer. He assures us that He will listen to us but then we must also search for Him with all of our hearts.

Perhaps we have prayed and even searched for Him in years past, but did not do so with all our heart.

Prayer: Lord, may we come to You this year with a sincerity and singleness of heart to find Your plans. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 29:11 For 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.

What To Expect In 2019

As we come to the close of this year and face the uncertainties that are before us in the year to come, it is important to pause, listen to and accept a promise from our God:

“For 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.

In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you search for me with all your heart, you will find me, declares the Lord.”

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 29:11 For 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.

Monday, January 1, 2018

Happy New Year!

Everyone looks forward to a New Year and the hope it represents. “Well wishers” come at us from every direction wanting us to reap a harvest of joy and happiness, peace and prosperity. A “good new year” is a universal desire that everyone seeks. But how can we assure ourselves of having a Happy New Year? The answer comes from Isaiah 41:10.

First, we must honor the two “nots” – do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Fear and dismay will disturb our minds, trouble our souls and destroy our health. Only as we place our faith in the goodness and grace of God will our fears evaporate and our dismay vanish.

Second, add the two “I ams” – I am with you and I am your God. Our God is always with us and we are never beyond His reach. When problems arise He wants to solve them. When needs arise He will meet them. When foes would destroy us He will conquer them. When storms appear He will calm them.

Third, we need to mix them with the three “I wills.” I will strengthen you. He has all the strength we need with some to spare. I will help you. Here is help that is seeking us and is sufficient for every situation. I will uphold you. With what? The very same hands that hold the universe together!

If we want 2018 to be a Happy New Year we must begin every day of every week of every month of the year reading God’s Word and spending time in prayer.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to experience Your presence, enjoy Your peace, trust in Your power and know that You will provide for our every need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Happy New Year!

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Looking For God In 2018

“You chart the path ahead of me and tell mewhen to stop and rest.Every moment youknow where I am.” Psalm 139:3

“The Lord says, “‘I will guide you along the
best pathway for your life. I will advise you
and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8

“Because of Christ, we have received an
inheritance from God, for He chose us from
the beginning and all things happen just as
He decided years ago.” Ephesians 1:11

“The Lord will work out His plans for my
life – for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures
forever. Don’t abandon me, for You made
me!” Psalm 138:8

“Seek His will in all you do and He will
direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

Prayer: Grant us wisdom, give us faith, increase our trust and watch over us each day, Father, as we seek Your plan for our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:3: Psalm 32:8; Ephesians 1:11; Psalm 138:8; Proverbs 3:6

Looking For God In 2018

“You chart the path ahead of me and tell mewhen to stop and rest.Every moment youknow where I am.” Psalm 139:3

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:3: Psalm 32:8; Ephesians 1:11; Psalm 138:8; Proverbs 3:6

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Some Final Words

Often what we find depends on what we look for. Here are a few things to look for in the days we will face together:

Prayer: Father, we look to You in faith believing that You will meet our every need if we trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Kings 8:56-58; Psalm 46:1-3; Philippians 4:19

Some Final Words

Often what we find depends on what we look for. Here are a few things to look for in the days we will face together:

Prayer: Father, we look to You in faith believing that You will meet our every need if we trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Kings 8:56-58; Psalm 46:1-3; Philippians 4:19

Friday, December 29, 2017

What To Expect In 2018

As we come to the close of this year and face the uncertainties that are before us in the year to come, it is important to pause, listen to and accept a promise from our God:

“For 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.

In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you search for me with all your heart, you will find me, declares the Lord.”

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 29:11 For 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.

What To Expect In 2018

As we come to the close of this year and face the uncertainties that are before us in the year to come, it is important to pause, listen to and accept a promise from our God:

“For 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.

In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you search for me with all your heart, you will find me, declares the Lord.”

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 29:11 For 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.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Your Best Year Ever!

God’s Word is the very best guide available if we want to know what we can do to make 2016 our best year ever. Here’s the plan:

Experience God’s Pardon. As we begin our journey into another year, God provides us with an opportunity to “begin again.” We read in John’s lovely little letter, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all of our sins.” Others talk of being free from the past, only God makes it possible and gives us a clean slate.

Enjoy God’s Presence. He encourages us with these timeless words: “Fear not, for I am with you!” With His Spirit to empower us, His angels to protect us, His Word to guide us and His arms around us, we have all that we need to face every challenge knowing that the victory can be ours if we take Him at His Word.

Engage God’s Power. He promises that “I – the Creator and Sustainer of the universe – will strengthen you!” For every sickness He will give us His healing. For every problem He will give us His solution. For every question He will give us His answer. For every doubt He will increase our faith. And in the darkest hour He will provide us with His light to lead us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we stand before You and the days to come in faith believing that You will honor Your words of hope and help as we trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 41:10 fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Starting New

But that was not all. Believing that they should get rid of the old and take on the new, they would go through their drawers and closets and look for worn-out clothing, old dishes and furniture – whatever needed to be replaced. They would only keep what had value to them.

Perhaps it would do us good to go through our lives and take an inventory. We may find that we are harboring hatred and hostilities, harmful habits and hurts. Perhaps we would find some shortcomings and sins, false pride and forgotten promises. We may discover that there have been some days without prayer and Scripture reading, worship and witnessing.

The Bible advises us to “Throw off your old nature…be a new and different person, holy and good.”
We do not have to wait for a new year to do this. We can do it now!

Prayer: Father, we confess with sorrow, shame and sadness our sins. We ask that You would cleanse and consecrate us for Your service. Help us to throw off our faults and failures and replace them with Your values and virtues. Give us victory through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:20-24 You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Strength For The Journey

“Why are you sitting there just staring off into space?” one friend asked another.

“Well, this year has been awful. It’s the worst year that I can ever remember. Nothing’s gone right and it seems that everything’s gone wrong. So I’m trying to figure out what was the worst thing that happened. But there’s too much competition for first place.”

Call them what you will: Misfortunes or mishaps, troubles or trials, adversities or afflictions. They are part of all of our lives and no one is immune to them.

But some seem to get through them, over them or around them better than others. Does their strength come from a superior source? Do they have a resource to call upon that is unavailable to the rest of us?

There is a story of the men of Judah standing before the Lord with their little ones. Suddenly, the spirit of the Lord came on one of the men. The message that came to him to give to the others was simple: “Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

All Christians have God’s Spirit in them Who can work through them. If we stand firm in our faith and ask for God’s help, He will fight the battle for us and triumph.

Prayer: Lord, when adversity tries to stare us down, may we look up to you to save and sustain us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Chronicles 20:13-17 Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

Thursday, January 1, 2015

A Goal For... 2016?

What? A goal for 2016 before completing the first day of 2015?

Why not?

Most of our “Resolutions for 2015” are, in fact, goals of one sort or another. Some resolutions will challenge us to “aim high” while others are “recycled” because they were “trashed” due to “lack of interest or difficulty.” Some will bring laughter because they are so ridiculous while others will encourage us to stretch and grow and develop the gifts, skills and talents that God has given us.

Perhaps the best part of a resolution is the fact that it forces us to focus on the future - whether we want to or not. Tomorrow will soon become today and 2015 will be 2016 leaving us with some memories that we did not plan, want or feel we deserved. We have no power over time or some events - nor the ability to stop, start or delay them.

But we all have “attitudes” about things that we can alter or even change completely. If we willingly seek God’s knowledge, we can change any attitude that could keep us from accomplishing the plan He has for our lives.

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge - but - he who hates correction is stupid.” Being willing to allow God to discipline or correct us proves to Him that we love Him and want Him to guide us even though it may be painful or uncomfortable. He knows what we need!

Otherwise, Solomon would classify us as “stupid” or not having “rational thoughts.” When God disciplines us it is for our good and His glory because He loves us!

Prayer: We are blest, Father, to know that You want Your very best for each of us. Guide and guard us always! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Starting New

My father came from Italy. Often he would fascinate me with stories of their celebrations and holidays. One event stands out – New Year. They would begin each year with fireworks and noise making, hugging and dancing, shouting and well-wishing.

But that was not all. Believing that they should get rid of the old and take on the new, they would go through their drawers and closets and look for worn-out clothing, old dishes and furniture – whatever needed to be replaced. They would only keep what had value to them.

Perhaps it would do us good to go through our lives and take an inventory. We may find that we are harboring hatred and hostilities, harmful habits and hurts. Perhaps we would find some shortcomings and sins, false pride and forgotten promises. We may discover that there have been some days without prayer and Scripture reading, worship and witnessing.

The Bible advises us to “Throw off your old nature…be a new and different person, holy and good.”

We do not have to wait for a new year to do this. We can do it now!

Prayer: Father, we confess with sorrow, shame and sadness our sins. We ask that You would cleanse and consecrate us for Your service. Help us to throw off our faults and failures and replace them with Your values and virtues. Give us victory through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:20-24 You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Looking For God In 2014

“You chart the path ahead of me and tell me
when to stop and rest.
Every moment you
know where I am.” Psalm 139:3

“The Lord says, “‘I will guide you along the
best pathway for your life. I will advise you
and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8

“Because of Christ, we have received an
inheritance from God, for He chose us from
the beginning and all things happen just as
He decided years ago.” Ephesians 1:11

“The Lord will work out His plans for my
life - for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures
forever. Don’t abandon me, for You made
me!” Psalm 138:8

“Seek His will in all you do and He will
direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

Prayer: Grant us wisdom, give us faith, increase our trust and watch over us each day, Father, as we seek Your plan for our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:3, Psalm 32:8, Ephesians 1:11, Psalm 138:8 and Proverbs 3:6