Good morning. Today's Bible verse is Psalm 39:4:
“LORD, make me to know my end,
And what is the measure of my days,
That I may know how frail I am.”
This verse reminds us that life is brief and challenging. Yet, as believers in the gospel of grace, we need not fear, feel guilt, or doubt. We are saved by grace through faith—plus nothing—and all our sins are fully and instantly forgiven.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we enter the new year, let us embrace the freedom, grace, and mercy of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, and live without fear. Though life is brief, we can find comfort in the assurance that when we pass away, we will be with Jesus. If you believe in the message of the gospel of grace, remember that no matter what challenges you face this year, you can never be separated from God our Father. Through the power of the resurrection, you can live confidently, knowing that you belong to God through Christ Jesus and that you are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, who will never leave you nor forsake you!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! As we reflect at this turning point, consider these thoughts:
2025, you end with a sigh,
2026’s beginning is nigh,
We start with potential, but no one can know,
What will we see, or what will it bring?
Will our cries be loud, or will we sing?
Will riches be ours with a lottery win?
Or will poverty strike and do us in?
For those who believe, as the Spirit imparts,
There is nothing to fear as the New Year starts,
So, whether in riches or poverty, we live,
We need not worry, for it's God’s portion to give.
The whole world is His, and all is laid bare.
For God controls all, and for His own, He does care.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ps 39:4.