2023 Word of the Year

 

                                                             

 

“Do not fear, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10a (NKJV)

 

What does it mean to be “with” someone? According to the dictionary, “with” means  “accompanied by another person or thing.” In Isaiah, the Lord tells us not to fear. Fear is not necessary because the Lord Himself promises to go with us every moment of every day. 

 

As someone who is naturally fearful, I notice Scriptures which say “fear not”. These words are generally followed by the phrase “for I am with you”.

 

For the past few years, I have chosen a word of the year and a Bible verse of the year. I have  placed a copy of the word and the verse on my bathroom mirror so that I read them several times a day. This practice has been spiritually enriching.

 

For 2023, “With” is my word of the year. My verse is Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you.” As a new year begins, I want to remember each day that God is with me. I pray that my walk with the Lord will grow deeper throughout the year 2023. 

 

Let me challenge you, my readers, to also choose a word and a verse for 2023.  If you do, I would love for you to tell me what your word and verse are.  May God richly bless you in the year ahead. Happy New Year!

Lights

                                                                      

 

The calendar turns to December. Days are shorter. Darkness is longer. Suddenly, lights fill the darkness! White lights, colorful lights, blinking lights!  Beautiful lights transform dark December evenings. Christmas is approaching.  Lights play a prominent role in our Christmas celebration.

 

But, what do Christmas lights have to do with the Nativity, the birth of Christ? Quite a lot, actually. It was the bright star in the east that led the wise men to find the newborn King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2,9). After the baby was circumcised, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to be presented to the Lord.  At the Temple, Simeon looked at the Baby and declared Him to be: “A light to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”(Luke 2:32). When this Baby grew into a Man, He proclaimed: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

 

What is the purpose of “light”? Light shows us where danger is, so that we don’t stumble and fall. Light gives us direction, so that we don’t wander aimlessly. Light reveals hidden dirt and cobwebs in a dark room.

 

 When Jesus shines His light into our hearts, the dirt and cobwebs of our lives are exposed. Seeing sin in our hearts would bring despair except for one amazing fact. This same Baby in the manger grew up to become a Man who died on the cross in our place. When we turn to Him, we receive forgiveness. As we live our lives, His light shines on our pathway. Joy comes as we follow Him step by step though life.

 

So, every time we see Christmas lights this year, let us remember the Babe in the manger who grew up to be the Savior on the cross. May His light shine upon us and lead us step by step. Christmas Blessings to all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Who’s Following Me?

                                                            

 

“I think someone is following me.” The woman speaks these words into her cell phone. Scary music begins. Footsteps are heard. The murder takes place. The remainder of the show focuses on the detectives solving the crime.

 

I love watching fictional detective shows. But the idea of having someone actually follow me is frightening!

 

Did you know that the Bible says that we are being followed today? And not only today but  every day.  Psalm 23:16 states: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”.

 

God is with us every day. God is good, and He is merciful.  His goodness and mercy always follow us.

 

In many of the detective shows, work is done in pairs. When one detective is about to enter a  dangerous situation, the other says “I’ve got your back.” The second partner is alert and ready to step in at any moment.

 

As we walk through life, we face uncertain situations. When we face the unknown, we have a Partner who whispers “I’ve got your back”.  God is with us. He is alert and ready to help at any moment. 

 

Thank you, Lord, that that You always “have my back”. Thank You that Your goodness and your mercy are following me today and every day.