The New Year is Knocking on the Door and so is the Spirit of Christ

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. My family attended a great Candlelight service as you can see in the photo. We then went over to my sister-in-laws house to enjoy a meal on Christmas day. Later that afternoon, we traveled to my hometown about sixty miles away to enjoy an evening with my brother, two sisters, and their families.

The person whose birthday we just celebrated is God in the flesh. The Spirit of Christ knocks on the door of our heart. But we are not always ready. Here’s a poem I wrote intended to get us ready: Ready for Each Day.

Friendship is a crucial part of a permanent love commitment. We should lift up those we are committed to; pray for them, listen and care. We are to love what they love and try to do what they ask.

The love of Christ gives us peace and freedom to take risk for He lives in us. Always believe He will help you come through and overcome any situation you face. Accept God’s Wonderful Counselor for life. Here’s another poem inspired by my recent study in Song of Songs: Love Lifts Higher.

As we head into the New Year, I will continue with my postings of the study in Song of Songs; a book that many read as a parable to demonstrate affections between Christ and the church. I should be able to finish this study in a few more days. Then the plan is to post for a while about a study of 2 Peter.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

The Reward of Newness

Reading in Song of Songs 2-3, the girl twice describes her beloved as “a gazelle or a young stag” (2:9, 17). This suggests that her beloved comes with great passion and grace. In a similar way, Christ came to fulfill His purpose on earth with passion and grace in spite of all the difficulties.

Spring imagery fills the speech in Song of Songs 2:11-15. The imagery describes the return of the Lord Jesus because like spring, everything is new and the old has passed away. Like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband, spring flowers which communicate God’s grace adorn the earth. This same thought is brought out in Revelation 21:1-5 below.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

From Google Images

What makes you genuinely happy? Are they short term or long term? All of us should pause along the way of life and celebrate. Look forward to the future with optimism and be inspired by the God’s blessings which are forever. Let us cast off discouragements and come to Christ daily for a new beginning. Let us also pray for others we can invite to come to Christ.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.