1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast to what is good.
Here we are on the last day of another year. 2023 is over and tomorrow we will step into a new year; the year 2024. Somehow it doesn’t seem possible that another year has gone, but it has. This year has been interesting, to say the least.
The enemy has tried to bring destruction to the Church and God has allowed much testing to take place. Every problem, storm, trial, or tribulation we go through is a test of our faith in Jesus and His Finished Work on the Cross of Calvary. God does not give us a test we cannot pass.
As born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, our ability to pass every test is found in our faith. That is, faith in all that Jesus accomplished on the Cross. It was there that He defeated BOTH the penalty and the power of sin in our lives. This is the Victory we sing about. Oh, Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever!
It is common practice to make resolutions each new year. Most people do this whether or not they verbalize it. We may not post our New Year resolutions on social media or even speak them to others, but in our hearts, we all view a new year as an opportunity to make positive changes in our lives.
Allow me to share with you the Words of Paul to the Thessalonians. Please accept this as personal encouragement and exhortation for this is the Word of God spoken today for you. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise Prophecies. Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22)
Tonight at midnight we will turn the last page of the year 2023. As we do this, we simultaneously open the first page of the year 2024. If you are resolved to grow closer to God this year, take the above Passage of Scripture to heart and claim it for yourself. Print it out and post it in your prayer closet. Read it every day and live by the Words.
Jesus is soon coming back to Rapture His Church. No one knows the exact day or the hour, but we all know it will be soon. When He comes, will you be going with Him or will you be left behind? Your faith and your lifestyle will determine the answer to this question. God will be the Judge. When that time comes, no one will have a chance to plead their case before Him. His decisions are final.
Now is the time to make the needed changes in your life. Do not wait another day. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. That He might present her to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be Holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27)
Jesus is coming back to……..….turn the tide
Help me, Lord, to be without spot or wrinkle. Doreen
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