January 2019

Happy New Year! Oh how I pray that each of us will surrender to God’s grace throughout the year to receive the blessing that flows from His throne to our hearts. Being made right in God’s sight through Christ, we have peace with Him! Why?

“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” 1

A Precious Praise Response…

What a blessing it was to receive this letter from Jillian in New York, who wrote,”

“I’m twenty-four and at long last, I’m writing you! I have wanted to reach out for over five years when I discovered your site. The joy I experienced upon reading your remarkable, anointed words is a feeling that will always be with me.

“What the Lord has placed on your heart to share is a genuine help and blessing – a guiding light. I return to the site for your Monthly Views, exquisite charts and answers. I’ve gained inexpressible strength and inspiration from you. It’s my prayer that people the world over will continue to discover what Christ has done with your life.

“Thank you for allowing God to help you push through the anguish of your past and into His glorious illumination and newness. Our helping countless souls, especially us young ones in this fallen world. I have printed many of your brochures and have begun distributing them. I started with my church and have also been spreading the word online.

“The internet can be a critical place, but I’ve only encountered people wo are happy to hear of your surrender to Jesus. To me, you are the embodiment of the truth of God’s Word where it tells us that what the devil intended for evil, God turns for the good! 2 Not only have I gotten a spiritual boost from you – you introduced me to your dear friend Norman Ezell. I’ve been a fan ever since I learned of him.

“I’m grateful to be your friend and your sister in Christ. You reside in my thoughts and prayers always. Please be encouraged and comforted knowing you are remembered, valued, loved and esteemed by the body of Christ at all times; most notably by your precious, risen Lord and Savior. Take care and be of good cheer, my friend. Sincerely, Jillian, NY.”

The Good News…

Many times I’m lost for words at the responses that come to me. Sometimes they are nearly-to-good-to-be-true news. That what the Good News of Jesus is all about, from Whom all blessings flow.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 3

No matter how many times I hear that verse, I never get tired of it. I learned it as a child by heart, and I need to hear daily what Jesus has to say to me. That’s how I keep my faith strong. “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” 4

Brings Blessings…

Jesus came from the throne on high and “…blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” 5

Oh, what a blessing it is to know Jesus and His plan for our lives; a world without end. With Him in mind, no matter what the circumstances are in our life, His purpose and plan is greater! As Jeremiah wrote the children of Judah in captivity,

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” 6

This means you too, by faith in God’s grace, He has a wonderful future and hope for you no matter what past sins. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” 7

Believe and Receive…

Now, it is up to you to believe what God’s Word says by receiving it into your heart, because no matter what, God “…is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” 8

So let’s rejoice with Jillian, because of God’s “…power that works in us.” His Word works mightily in us as we take heed to it and do it. This is a word from God to you this New Year.

“Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 9

“Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank You, Lord, for making me whole. Thank You, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free.” 10

A Prayer for You…

Jesus, I confess that You are my Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that God raised You from the dead. By faith in Your Word, I receive salvation now. Thank You for loving and saving me! I receive Your complete forgiveness in my life for all of my sins, mistakes and failings. I release them all into Your loving hands. I declare that in You, I am completely forgiven, freed, accepted, favored, righteous, blessed and healed from every addiction, sickness and disease. Amen!

Scripture References (NLT):

1) Rom. 5:2
2) Gen. 50:20
3) Jn. 3:16, NKJV
4) Rom. 10:17
5) Eph. 1:3b-4
6) Jere. 29:11, NKJV
7) Eph. 2:10
8) Eph. 3:20, NKJV
9) Eph. 5:17-20
10) “Thank You, Lord.” Lyrics by Seth and Bessie Sykes