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Happy New Year!

 So much has happened in the past couple of years. 

Today marks the beginning of a New Year but that doesn't mean all challenges are suddenly gone. However, there is a way--in spite of any challenges--to experience happiness in this new year. The Bible gives us the recipe for positively impacting our personal and spiritual wellbeing and how to encourage those around us. Below is a portion of a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi. You will see how relevant this except from Paul's letter is to what the world is facing right now.

"Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be know to all people. The Lord is near. 

Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 

And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God's word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you." 

Quote taken from Philippians 4: 4-9 (Amplified Bible)

I wish you all a Happy New Year!






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