December 31, 2014

Review and Preview

Written by Boyd Bailey

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 31, 2014

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

At the end of the year I try to review what the Lord has done over the past 12 months and consider what I can trust Him for in the upcoming year. In spite of my shortcomings, Jesus was entirely faithful this year. He comforted my friend and his family through his bone marrow transplant and He healed my mother’s cancer. I saw God’s wisdom at work through our team, as they designed a new online education system. Next year I anticipate a May wedding for our youngest daughter and our sixth grandchild in June. Thank the Lord for His: leadership, discipline and blessings.

Solomon saw a lot in his lifetime. The legacy of love his dad David left for God and people shaped Solomon’s mind and heart. He witnessed the Lord work through his father’s ups and downs in life. The king knew he answered to a higher authority, theKing of kings and Lord of lords. Solomon celebrated the pursuing love of God that takes sin’s ugliness and makes it beautiful in His time. God is at work: past, present and future. What He initiates—He completes.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Therefore, acknowledge the Lord’s ongoing work in your heart. How did His Spirit mold your character last year? Perhaps you have grown to quickly thank God and forgive when you are offended or hurt. You now understand and apply the wisdom of keeping short accounts—as love keeps no record of wrongs. Maybe you are celebrating recovery from an addiction: drinking, drugs, smoking, pornography or overwork may have controlled your life, but Christ set you free! Praise the Lord for He takes our little faith and makes mountains of change in our lives.

How does He want to grow you more into the likeness of Christ next year? Perchance you desire to develop patience: listen more and talk less. Or, your prayer is for an expanded capacity for compassionate care toward a loved one in decline. Your hope is for the Holy Spirit to provide emotional stamina. Or, trust may be a huge issue on next year’s horizon: learning to leave a significant health issue in the Lord’s hands, a financial obstacle or a relational challenge. Your loving heavenly Father will draw near to satisfy your soul. Thus, celebrate God’s eternal faithfulness!

“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your past favor—Your present presence —Your future faithfulness.

Related Readings: Psalm 70:4, 118:23; 1 Corinthians 13:5; Romans 11:33; Revelation 13:10

Post/Tweet this today: Praise the Lord for taking our little faith and making a mountain of changes in our life. #reviewpreview #wisdomhunters

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Comments

  1. Maria says:

    Thanks! The best exercise to begin a New Year; wise words. :).
    God Bless You!

  2. Gwynne says:

    Thank you Maria, for your encouragement! The team at Wisdom Hunters hopes that this new year will bring you and yours His Joy and His Peace. Isn’t it exciting to think about what all He has planned for us~ for our good?

    “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” Romans 8:28

    Blessings,
    Gwynne


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