Stepping Into a New Year
Bev Dracos
2021 is drawing to a close. 2022 awaits. What will the New Year bring?
In this quiet week between the busy Christmas season and the New Year, I have reviewed some of the messages that I want to carry into 2022. (Thanking God for all who have poured into my life this year. This includes YOU as well as Pastor Tim Coleman, Pastor John Vickers, Pastor Joe McClellan, Janey Frost, the prayer team and so many more who teach, preach and generously give counsel, encouragement, accountability, and words of wisdom.
- Walk more closely with Jesus. John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples.
- Treasure God’s word in my heart and ponder it. Psalm 143:5 – I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done; I ponder the work of Your hands. Luke 2:19 – However, Mary continued to treasure all these things in her heart and to ponder them.
- Walk in victory. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6
- Pray different prayers for my children, grandchildren & church – Yes, I will continue to pray for protection, but I will add many more prayers for courage, boldness, and steadfastness.
- Count it all joy. James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
- Be gracious in speech. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each person.
- Let the light shine. Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
- First words each day – Psalm 118:24 – This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
- Continuously express gratitude – Psalm 107:1 – Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.
- Love extravagantly. 1 John 3: 16 – By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!
Let’s talk about it….
- What do you want to carry into 2022 with you?
- Who has poured into your life this year?
- How would it impact your life to start each day saying out loud, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.”? Is it really possible to rejoice on super bad days?
