Colossians 1:27 is a powerful verse…
“God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
The apostle Paul here is writing to believers in Jesus Christ—the “you” whom he addresses. He calls them “the Lord’s people” in the previous verse (Colossians 1:26).
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon certain people to empower them for service, but then He would leave again.
New Testament believers have a different experience, as the Spirit indwells us permanently. The permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit given to New Testament believers was a “mystery” to the Old Testament saints.
After Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to live within us, never to leave (John 14:16–17; 16:7).
Jesus told His disciples, “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father . . . and I am in you” (John 14:20).
The Holy Spirit seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).
In other words, the Spirit’s presence in our hearts guarantees our ultimate salvation.
Though we are in this world, we are not of it (John 17:16).
God will continue to work in us until He is finished perfecting us (see Philippians 1:6).
The beginning of a new year can bring many feelings – uncertainty, anxiousness, excitement, joy, and longing, just to name a few.
There’s no better place to turn for inspiration in the year ahead than the Bible!
Millions will start the year with resolutions and goals for change and better living – healthy eating, better financial planning, or better time management.
What if your resolution was to know God better and walk in His plan for your life?
God is the author of new beginnings and it’s never too late for Him to change your life!
Scripture is full of amazing guidance for transforming your life with a fresh start.
Because of the life Jesus lived and His sacrifice for us, the free gift of salvation and new life in Him is ours.
The Bible tells us that we are a new creation, be inspired throughout the New Year as you meditate on the promises of God in the Bible.
We are secure in Jesus, who is our ONLY Ark of SAFETY, in these troubling times.
Psalm 125:2
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.”
Heavenly Father, as we stand on the threshold of a new year, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the past year’s blessings.
Thank you for your faithfulness, your love, and your constant presence in our lives.
We acknowledge your sovereignty over the days gone by and the days yet to come.
For it is in You alone that we place our trust!
May the Lord make your New Year a happy one…
Not by shielding you from sorrow and pain, but by strengthening you to bear it if it comes.
Not by making your path easy, but by making you sturdy enough to tread any path.
Not by taking hardship from you, but by taking all cowardice and fear from your heart as you meet hardships.
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine, but by keeping your face bright even in the shadows.
Not by making your life always pleasant, but by showing you where men and Jesus’ cause needs me most and by making me zealous to be there and to help…
God, make my year a happy one, as I surrender my life totally and completely into Your hands!
My prayer is that 2024 will be a blessed and Prosperous New Year for all of us!
Shalom shalom,
Skip 🕊️
SB SALT AND LIGHT MINISTRIES 