Hello Friends,
Happy New Year!
As we close out 2016 and begin a new year, I wanted to share a few brief thoughts with you.
1. I'm thankful that because of God's love and grace, each day is a a gift of a new beginning and an opportunity to make a fresh start. As you approach 2017 may you look at it as another gift and opportunity to begin fresh and forge the best path forward with God's help while putting the mistakes of the past behind you! Begin again my friend, begin again!
2. As you make your goals and plans for the New Year, remember The One Who goes before you! Trust Him, communicate with Him and include Him in "your" plans. You'll be more successful in all your ways if you do so.
3. There is a phrase in Romans 5 (5:5 NASB, but read it in context of course, read Romans 5) that says "hope does not disappoint" or in some versions it says "hope does not put us to shame". No matter what you face in the New Year don't lose hope... Keep hoping in the Lord as He's with you every step of the way! Enter the New Year with hope and prayer! God's hope does not disappoint and you will not be put you to shame!
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement in 2016! Its been an honor to serve you and I look forward to prayerfully serving you in 2017 as we seek to live life on purpose together!
You're prayers for wisdom, direction and God's provision for these ministry endeavors are always appreciated as I seek out what God's will is for me according to His calling on my life.
Again, Happy New Year! Keep your hope in the Lord alive! I'm praying for God's best for you and please don't hesitate to let me know how I can serve you in the New Year!
In Christ Alone and for His Glory,
rlk
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Read: Luke 2:1-35
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we enter Christmas day we rejoice in the arrival and indescribable gift of Jesus! We celebrate the most important birthday of all time and the most amazing gift to mankind!
We praise You for His arrival!
We celebrate, Emmanuel...You with us! What and awesome reality!
We praise You and thank You that Jesus humbled Himself to come here so we might have life through Your love and forgiveness.
I ask for Your help through Your Holy Spirit to help us point people to Your son and that we'll proclaim Who You are, Who Jesus is, Why He came and the true meaning of Christmas!
We praise You and thank You as we have much to be thankful for and celebrate.
I pray that we keep Jesus in the center of our Christmas celebration and the center and forefront of our lives day-to-day!
I pray that You're Joy and peace would be at work in and through us!
I pray for comfort for those where Christmas is really hard for them.
I remember and pray for those who are mourning this Christmas for a lost loved one or who are battling disease, depression, anxiet or other things. Please help them to know Your love and may Your love overshadow their grief. I pray that You would heal them in Jesus Name!
I pray that relationships, especially family relationships, would be mended and differences would be put aside for this Christmas and beyond.
May Your peace reign in each household and each heart in Jesus name!
May we remember anew the gift of Jesus Who was wrapped in cloths as we unwrap our gifts and as we enjoy a wonderful meal and celebration.
As we open presents, may we remember His presence today and each day.
Thank You for all that Christmas represents and I pray that we never become cynical about the Christmas celebration and each year may our awe, wonder and childlike faith be renewed!
I thank You and praise You again for the indescribable gift of Jesus!
In Jesus name I praise You and Thank You, Amen.
Because He is THE Reason for the season,
Your Brother and Servant,
rlk
P.S. : As a little Christmas gift from me to you... Here's a link to a recording of the Luke 2 account of the birth of Jesus: https://soundcloud.com/user-335546274/the-birth-of-jesus-luke-21-35 Merry Christmas!
