“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 ESV
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13 ESV
Happy New Year! We have now put 2023 behind us and are moving forward to a new chapter—a new year. While we don’t know what 2024 will hold for each of us, we can rest firmly and securely in knowing that God is the same as He was yesterday, as He is today, and as He will be forever (Hebrews 13:8). He does not change (James 1:17; Malachi 3:6). He will keep His promises and He will always be with us. From Genesis to Revelation He is the same. He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Therein lies our peace.
As we begin this new year, I pray that Jesus will meet each of you wherever you are in life. Our needs are diverse, but how thankful we can be that He is never stumped by anything we may be going through. Since He is all-knowing, nothing we encounter in life ever comes as a surprise to Him. He has already been there. He goes before us.
Today, may we seek His strength, wisdom, and guidance to live in such a way so that others see Christ, the HOPE of the world, in us. May we always walk with the assurance that we belong to Him. And because of that, may we hold securely to His unchanging hand throughout 2024 and beyond. It’s the safest place to be. May God bless you all.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You on this first day of a new year to thank You for waking us up this morning. We have awakened to the beginning of another year. Thank You for the gift of life and for helping us to see that it is only through Your love, grace, and mercy that we can face these days in which we are living. I pray that peace will overcome strife and good will overcome evil in 2024. May each person reading this message trust and believe that You are in control even when circumstances seem to dictate otherwise. We love You and thank You for our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that I pray this prayer. Amen.
