The trash can lid won’t close. The refrigerator is filled with food that doesn’t look as good as it did the first time we ate it. The red and green looks tired, but we are too tired to box it up. And 2017 looks like a blank chalkboard that we know will be filled in, but we can’t imagine with what.
The television news is predicting that content, because that is their job. But we know the best guesses are still just someone guessing. The beginning of a new year is a great time to be a Christian. We don’t have to worry about our blank chalkboard because we know who will author the content.
God doesn’t make predictions. He makes promises. Predictions are “maybes” but a promise from God is a sure thing. I thought all of us could start the new year with this important word from God. It is the promise he made to his chosen people after the Exodus, and it remains his promise for his chosen people today.
This is God’s word to you for 2017:
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations
(Deuteronomy 7:9).
What has God promised you?
• That you can know God.
• That God is faithful.
• That God keeps his covenant of steadfast love.
• That his promises are not for everyone but are guaranteed for his chosen, those who are saved.
• That God always has, and always will, keep this promise.
As you look at that blank chalkboard of a new year, consider allowing God to write this verse at the top. Everything else that will be written this year cannot change his promise. You are a Christian, God’s chosen, adopted child. He will love you and be faithful to care for you every day of this year, and all the years to come. I hope that promise will make this year a very happy 2017!
Just a reminder: this is an important week for every ministry. As you plan for the coming year, would you plan to include the ministries of The Denison Forum in your 2017? You can pray that God will use our ministry to bring others into a greater knowledge of his love, power and authority in this world. You can share our content with family, friends and others. And, if you can help financially, we will honor your gift and use it to share God’s word and further his Kingdom purpose. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your 2017.
Join us at www.christianparenting.org and chime in on this week’s discussion question: How do you emphasize to your children that Jesus is the central focus of Christmas?