January 1, 2025
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Charles Dickens begins A Tale of Two Cities with these words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period ...”
Dickens’ words remind us of the tensions we navigate throughout our lives. As Christian believers, we know that even in the “worst of times,” God’s light shines in the darkness, offering us hope in His presence, love, mercy and grace.
Whether you are seeking God for the first time or renewing your walk with Him, this new year is an opportunity to anchor your heart in His promises.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as we leave 2024 behind, we pause to reflect on the journey we have walked. We thank You for the blessings You have poured out upon us – the moments of joy, the lessons learned in challenges, the fellowship of those who have walked with us and the assurance of Your presence through it all. We lift up the pain and struggles we have endured, asking for Your healing and comfort to fill our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. Help us to let go of what we cannot change and to trust in Your perfect plans for our lives.
As the dawn of this new year has come, we open our hearts to fresh opportunities, experiences and blessings that await us. Lord, guide our steps, that we may walk in faith and love, as beacons of light in a world in such desperate need of Your hope. Renew our spirits with courage and wisdom to face the unknown, and fill us with a deep desire to seek You in every moment. Help us to be faithful stewards of the time You have given us, using every moment to glorify Your name.
Lord, we dedicate 2025 to You, praying that our dreams and expectations are consistent with Your plans for us and that Your will be done in our lives. May we grow closer to You. Use us as instruments of Your peace, love, mercy and grace.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26, NIV
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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