Thought for 30 December

    2 Timothy 2:15-16

               Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,

a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

 

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I usually settle for trying to be a better person next year than I was last year, (which covers a lot of changes) but I know I cannot do it on my own. I need the help of my Saviour. Praise God that the birth of Jesus happened before the world started to make resolutions or we would have no help with the keeping of them.

If we thought next year was going to be our last year on earth, what would our resolutions be then, and would we be able to keep them?

The writer of Philippians says in 4: 13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

We need to believe this verse! Jesus gives us the strength to resist temptation, especially the temptation to believe that Satan has the power to overcome the strength of Almighty God. God, through Jesus, is the creator of all things, and I am convinced that He can defend all His creation. That includes defending us when we ask Him for help, which He never refuses.

A thing to remember is that we do not need to wait for New Year to make a resolution. We can decide at any time that we need to change some things in our lives, then with prayer start to make the changes we want, knowing that Jesus is our strength.

Can any of us say we don’t need to make any changes in our lives? I suppose New Year is a suitable time to make a start but do not be tied down. As soon as you realise a change is needed start right away.

As we move into 2023, may we be guided and protected by our Father God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

 

Prayer

Saviour God, we depend on You for everything in our lives. At this time of year, we ask for Your help in making the changes we want to make to live more closely to Your teachings. You have shown us how we should live but because of the fall of Adam and Eve, we find it hard to do as we know we should and ask for the help that only You can give us. We think also at these last days of the year about those who are being persecuted and oppressed by ruthless governments and terrorists. Please bring a time of peace to the countries and people involved. Lord Jesus, we ask these things in Your name, amen.