{"id":34823,"date":"2023-01-03T03:30:42","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T11:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=34823"},"modified":"2023-01-02T16:11:48","modified_gmt":"2023-01-03T00:11:48","slug":"january-3-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2023\/01\/03\/january-3-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"January 3, 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cHe has put a new song in my mouth\u2014praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.\u201d <\/em>Psalm 40:3<\/p>\n

Refreshed Attitude<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The beginning of a new year. They seem to be going by faster and faster in spite of the trials or the blessings involved.<\/p>\n

Yes, last year was a bit sad with loss and the reality of life things seemingly out of our control. Yet there was a peace, a bittersweet resolve that the LORD is in control and knows all and loves beyond my understanding.<\/p>\n

Every year I like to begin with asking for a verse that encompasses the Lord\u2019s direction for the season. Last year the Lord had spoken to my heart to rest in Him. The verse He kept speaking to me for this was: \u201cTrust in the LORD and, do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness\u201d <\/em>(Psalm 37:3).\u00a0 I tend to get upset and jump to conclusions or judgments. The Lord has taught me a lot about His care for all things and my focus needs to be on abiding in His goodness and feeding on His faithfulness while trusting His direction.<\/p>\n

This year I feel a new excitement. The above verse from Psalm 40 seems to say it well. I do have a new song and joy in my heart. This includes a fresh dependance and rest in Jesus. He\u2019s renewed my confidence in Him. His Word is alive! \u201cFor the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart\u201d <\/em>(Hebrews 4:12). I can boldly say, and KNOW in every circumstance, Jesus loves us and He has this. He longs for hearts to know Him.<\/p>\n

I also have a new boldness and humility in prayer. I can approach Him in boldness but also with the humble sense that His outcome is always right as well as His timing. I was in line at a crowded store the other day and there was an open discussion going on about the hopelessness of a current community situation. I blurted out, \u201cThey need to know Jesus!\u201d (I said it with love and concern.) The lady in front of me agreed, but the rest stopped for a second, then ignored the contribution, and continued the negative conversation. I know His name is powerful and He is the solution to these enormous social problems. But it takes heart recognition. My prayer is that I, and the church, would have boldness to love and encourage and speak out His truth wherever we are in our daily ventures, in confidence that the outcome is His.<\/p>\n

When our days are placed in Jesus\u2019 loving hands and our intent is to love Him well, we will be put in situations where we can be His hands and feet of encouragement and hope to this very needy world. With this we receive His joy, knowing many will see, and fear, and trust in the LORD!<\/p>\n

Dear Lord, I\u2019m so thankful to be included in Your family and purpose. Use us, Lord, for Your glory and purpose this year.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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