Christian Living

Grace for the New Year

by Shiju Vincent
01/01/18
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“Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.” (Matthew 6:33 TEV)

2017 has gone. By God’s grace we have entered into a fresh new year. In this new year message I would like to share with my beloved readers some biblical advices to help keep you encouraged and motivated in your walk with God even when going through troubles and sorrows. Even when we wish each other HAPPY NEW YEAR, we all know from experience that unexpected and hidden pains await for us in this year too! But what should we do? What can help us overcome all of them and bring out the best in us for the glory of God? Read carefully.

First, we must be confident and sure that we have a Loving God who is able to provide us with everything that we need for a blessed life. We can understand this from Matthew 6:33 and Luke 10:31. What’s more, we read in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (NASB) But Jesus taught the necessary step to be taken by us in order to avail this promise. It is to be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of us. Is this true about us? Do we even bother to know what God really wants from us or why He delivered us and cleansed us through the blood of His Son? Do we care to know why God placed us on this planet? Is it to murmur and complain? Is it to gossip and judge others? No, God only wants one thing: Complete surrender. A life totally committed to God in spite of any circumstances. This is very first thing we need to know in ordered to be prepared for new challenges in 2018: Do what the KING OF KINGS says!

Next, as Hebrews 12:2 says, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. The preceding verse has played a vital role in the encouragement and comfort of many believers in their walk of faith when going through perilous circumstances: “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3 NASB) It is not only during troubles that we can look upon Jesus but also during temptations as we read in another portion from the same epistle: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15, 16 NASB) Temptations can come both during good as well as bad times. We can never overcome them on our own, we need GRACE.

Third, as 1 John 2:6 says, we must live as Jesus lived. What are the examples that Christ showed before us to follow: He was humble (John 13:1-17, Philippians 2:6-8), He was obedient to His Father (John 4:34, Luke 22:42, John 8:29, 5:30, 10:37 & 38, 15:10, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 40:6-8), His was a life of prayer (John 17, Mark 6:46, Matthew 14:23, Luke 5:16, 6:12, 11:1, Christ’s prayer in Gethsemane) After washing His disciples’ feet Jesus said: “I did this as an example so that you should do as I have done for you. “ (John 13:15 NCV) The Apostle Peter aptly teaches us in 1 Peter 2:21, “This is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and gave you an example to follow. So you should do as he did.” (NCV)

This is the biblical formula for living victorious in spite of the new challenges and experiences that await to be unfolded in this new year. Obey Jesus, Look unto Jesus, Follow Jesus. If you do this, no matter what kinds of problems you may be facing, you can and will be a winner!  WISH YOU ALL  A VERY HAPPY AND VICTORIOUS NEW YEAR 2018!  GOD BLESS YOU!