Monday, December 21, 2020

End Well To Start Strong!

 Hi Everyone,

Can you believe that we are coming to the end of another year?  It's been a difficult year for many on so many different levels.

People are winding down, closing the year out.  Thinking that if God didn't move by now,  too late, the year is over.

I want to encourage you that our God can do a lot in a few days.

He freed 3-6 million Israelites from slavery in Egypt in a single night. 

Jesus was crucified, placed in a tomb and in 3 days He was resurrected to free us from sin.

Jesus is still moving, still healing, still blessing, still reconciling, still making a way!

I'm uncertain what 2021 holds but this is what I am certain of:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Heb. 13:8

The Lord spoke to my heart that He wants us to 'End the Year Well' so we can "Start the New Year Strong."

Let me share four quick thoughts on how we can do this.

1. Focus your attention on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 "Looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith. " AMP

We have to look away from everything that will try to distract us and look intently on Jesus. In every area of our lives, the direction we take - not our intentions, hopes, dreams, prayers, beliefs - but the direction we take ultimately determines our destiny.  We must keep the main the main thing and that is Jesus!

2. Decide who is writing your story.

Notice that Hebrews 12:2  says, He is the Author and Finisher of our life story.

Who are you allowing to write your story?  Social media, news, your past, peers, hurts, disappointments, fear, your failures?

I might not know your story or what you have gone through. But you need to believe that Jesus does know and He has purpose and destiny for you.  Allow Him to rewrite your story so you can end this year well.

3. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you.

Romans 8:14 reads, "For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." AMP

Hebrews 11:8 "Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."

Oswald Chambers said, "Faith may not know where its being led
but it loves the one doing the leading."

You and I might not know where we are being led, nor what the future holds, but we do know the One who holds our future. This is our confidence.

4. Press On!

Philippians 3:14  "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." 

Marathon runners sometimes "hit the wall" at a certain mile in their race.  Fatigue, discouragement and negativity can overwhelm them.  This past year many have "hit the wall" spiritually. You have to encourage yourself the same way Paul did.   Look to the reward that is waiting for you and know that the Lord is there to help you!

Wishing you and your family a Joy-filled and Jesus-filled Christmas!  He has great things for you in 2021.

Blessings and Love - Gary & Pat




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