Encouragement for Life

As we start a new year, we often reflect on accomplishments (or lack there of) of the past year. It is often easy to focus on all that was left undone or the regrets of unrighteous behavior or decisions. Many times we cannot face a new phase of life when we dwell on failures of the past.

We are at the beginning of a new year filled with the potential for new highs and lows, new joys and new fears. If we take time to read through the Gospels, we cannot miss an important lesson in how Jesus prepared for a new season of His time on earth. Jesus made it His habit to pray before important events and about important decisions in His life.

As you look ahead, what do you anticipate facing in this new year? Are you struggling with your roles and responsibilities? Are you at a crossroad in your career? Do you need direction in dealing with a family member, a workmate, or your finances? Or are you needing some help with all of the above? Then you need wisdom—God’s wisdom. Well, wait no longer!

Isaiah is considered among the greatest of the Old Testament prophets because of his many predictions of the Messiah. For instance, you’ve probably heard this one during the Christmas season: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Everyone has their favorite Christmas stories—you know, the ones that just pop into your mind when you think “Christmas.” I have several! One is from when I was young, and our family received a little puppy. His mother had milk fever, and he had to be fed with an eye dropper. Because he came to our home on Christmas Day, we—of course–named him Chris!

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, but I’m well aware that this month has potential for many disasters! If you’re like me, your calendar is already crammed full with kid’s plays, family visits, traveling, shopping, and more... oh my! There is so much to do, so many decisions to make, so many people to make happy.

With all the gifts and donations sought after, and given, during the holidays, our finances can quickly become out of control. But a little bit of prayerful planning will make better use of all our resources and re-align our focus on God’s priorities.

I’ve been experimenting for years with what I call my “attitude helpers.” They help me get my work done with a happy heart—even the things I don’t like doing!

This Thanksgiving we are thankful for God, each other, our family, and you, our treasured friends in the faith. May God open up the windows of heaven and bestow blessings like you've never experienced. May He make His face to shine upon you. May He heal your body, heart, and mind. And may He draw you close to Him.

Do you see opening your home at Thanksgiving as a gift from God to be used for the comfort and well-being of others? A Christian home is earth’s sweetest picture of heaven and a welcome relief in our stressed and weary society. Many folks are lonely, especially during the holidays. A question to ask ourselves in this holiday season is, “Who can I open my arms and my heart and my home to?”

Acknowledging that God’s ways are not our ways has made a real difference in my life, and accepting that truth can make a difference in yours, too. Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

“Make a wish!” How often have you said or heard this statement on your birthday or one of your children’s birthdays before blowing out candles on a cake? God, in essence, made a similar statement to King Solomon thousands of years ago. In fact, God told Solomon he could have anything he wanted. Anything!