If I had to describe 2014 with one word, I’d say finding “strength.” It wasn’t the easiest year, but it surprised me how well that still turned out. I remember listing the number of things that weren’t going well to a friend once, he quickly responded with a longer list of things to be grateful for–something we don’t do enough in times of adversity (Philippians 4:6). “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” I can’t think of a time where I felt this to be more true than the times in 2014 when I felt the lowest and emptiest. When I looked around me, there were riches everywhere, there was beauty everywhere, and there was life, I only needed to allow myself to see and feel it. When you really start to pay attention, beyond your unhappy situation, you would realize how much of everything you actually need, you have. Nobody likes the “waiting for better times” part, but it is the part that let’s you see yourself–much up close and personal. It is where you find strength, one you could never imagine yourself to have. The strength of Christ that allows you to do all things and overcome all things. That is the strength I rave about in 2014, and the strength I wish you through your toughest times–knowing that in His time, God makes all things beautiful.
May 2015 be a year of prosperity, like that of the heavens; love, like that of Christ; power, that glorifies God’s excellence; peace, that passeth all understanding; kindness, from the most foreign of places; grace, that reminds us of the extent of God’s love, elevation, beyond the skies, restoration from the floodgates of heaven, and favor, in high places. And may praise of the Lord God Almighty forever be on our lips in Jesus Christ Name we receive these blessings Amen.
1 Give thanks to the LORD,for He is good; His love endures forever. 2 Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.” 5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free. 6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7 The LORD is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. 8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. 15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death.19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. 26Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. 27The LORD is God, and He has made His light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Amen
