Isn’t it great to be a living, breathing child of God in this brand new year? It’s the first day of your new beginning. Are you on your mission? My wish for you is that you don’t lose focus. Remember that whatever you may be going through, Jesus has already been there and blazed the trail! Praise Him for a new start and a new beginning. I’m putting out a challenge for each of us this first day of 2024. The challenge is this; find someone who you know has no relationship with God and dedicate this year to pray and ask God to equip that person with a heart for Him.
Today’s Prayer
Father, Thank You so much for being with us throughout this past year. If it were not for You and Your grace, what would we have done! Life would be so much more difficult, even hopeless, without Your presence and promises. Thank You for every time You comforted and encouraged us through your Word, a song of praise, a word spoken in season, a kind deed, a surprise e-mail or card, answers to prayer, safety in uncertain situations…and so much more. Thank You also for blessing us through special “God Appointments“ and using us to touch others’ lives and testify of Your goodness. We want to thank You now for all that You plan for us this fresh, New Year. We want to thank You for being with us. We ask that You anoint us for the tasks ahead. Help us to be wise. We’re trusting You to meet every need as You have always done. Thank You, dear God. With love, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Let’s eat.
A Lesson On Baptism
John The Baptist Prepares The Way
Mark 1:1-8
1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began 2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. 3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” 4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
The Baptism And Temptation Of Jesus
Mark 1:9-15
9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” 12 The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, 13 where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him. 14 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
WHAT AN AWESOME REMINDER TO START THIS FRESH YEAR!
Quote of the Day
Here is a cord of love let down, and the upper end of it is fastened to Christ’s heart, and the lower end of it hanging down the length of your hearts. And, O! shall not Christ’s heart and yours be knit together this day. Here is a cord to bind His heart to your heart, and your heart to His heart. ~Ralph Erskine~