Beloved, as 2023 is ending, 2024 is about to begin. And God’s people are still standing! Give the Lord praise!
In 2023, you may have found yourself fighting an uphill battle. Some of you were grappling with the aftermath of a pandemic; a world engulfed in strife and tumultuous wars; inflationary increases and national conflicts on every front! Others of you struggled with personal battles that seemed insurmountable—sicknesses, salvation for loved ones, grief over lost loved ones, economic hardships. The operative words here are—“you found yourself fighting; you were grappling with; you were struggling with personal battles.” You were trying to fight these battles, beloved, when the Word states that, “. . . the battle is the Lord’s. . .” (1 Samuel 17:57; also, 2 Chronicles 20:15) God is the commander-in-chief, so, get in step and follow his plan for each battle.
God’s Plan Is Found in His Word
So, make sure that in 2024 your plans, your actions and reactions are built on the Word of God so that you can withstand any battle that you may face. Soulish and fleshly plans and behaviors, even well-intentioned ones, will not prevail against obstacles that you may face in 2024. Those kinds of plans are built on sinking sand. When the storms come, they will dissolve and disintegrate.
God has a plan for each of you. Jeremiah 29:11-13 states:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. . . “
God’s plans are established on the sustainable firm foundation of his Word. His plans will prosper you and give you hope. His plans will provide what you need to mature and walk out your life’s purpose. Rest assured that even if you are a babe in Christ, the Bible will supply your spiritual food, just as milk supplies nurturance for babies. 1 Peter 2:2-3 states that:
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
The Word of God enables both the baby Christians and the mature Christians to thrive in this earthly journey. It is spiritual food that sustains life your life at all levels.
Notice that verse 3 of 1 Peter states, if you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Christians cannot stop just taste of the Lord’s goodness; they need daily portions of the Word to thrive. (Psalm 119:25) When Christians deprive themselves of the Word, they are stunted in their growth and may even become deformed. So standing firm on the Word nurtures and strengthens the baby Christians and provides the mature Christian with a blueprint so that he/she is able to discern and guard against fleshly tendencies, worldly influences and demonic attacks.
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out through the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)
Feast on His Word Daily
So, for the year of 2024, resolve to remain in God’s Word through the good times and the bad times. Feast on, yes, enjoy the deliciousness of the Word each day because it:
“is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“. . . is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
“. . . will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
“is a lamp to my (your) feet and a light to my (your) path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“. . . (will show you) the truth and that truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Determine to follow God’s plan for your life in this new year, for only his plan will stand the test of time. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (only his plan will stand). (Proverbs 19:21)
Be blessed and Happy New Year!
Scriptures for Meditation:
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the Lord. And your plans will be established.”
Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation.
This is true. It is essential to read the bible and be in a bible teaching church. As you said, it is the Christian responsibility to read; however, churches need to turn back to their early roots of reading the bible and being single in mind and actions. This can only happen when the church takes the mantle to teach the bible. Every pew should become a bible school. Your description above accurately captures the last days in which we are living. It is deeply concerning that some ministries have become Pharisees. You said it clearly above …Read the Bible. What will people do if they have to live like those under intense persecution? They may not be able to stand because they never took the time to read and know the word for themselves. I enjoyed reading my bible during this break time and your encouraging blog.