New year, new directives. New life, and new vistas. How wonderful it is to walk with and serve Jesus our King! We each are called to be and to do something in Christ.

How will you start out a brand new year? Q. Are you a real born again Christian with a specific calling now? There is really no other type of Christian.

Q. What will the Lord hold you and I accountable for this year.. during this lifetime? We know that God will not at all hold you accountable for what He has called me to do. We know that God will not at all hold me accountable for what He has called you to do. But He will hold you accountable for what He called you to be and do.

The Great Commission was given to all--that's to be our mission instead of our omission. Can be fun and fulfilling to be involved with Jesus in this. I find it that way--with Him, He's the only way.

We could get buried in the past, distracted, and simply fail to grab hold of the future that God has for us. No believer is excused or excluded from God's world-wide evangelism purpose. Granted, there are some who are called to be evangelists. I mean this is their career, but all are indeed called to tactfully evangelize the lost. Check it out. In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul boldly spoke of this "glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to (his) trust.” 1 Timothy 1:11

With a new year upon us many people still fear what lies ahead. 

The whole world is going through what's called "birth pangs" now. You've seen some of this. The Bible teaches us about this. I wish I could tell you that things will indeed get much better here.. real fast.. but as the time for our Lord to return for His church comes closer.. as the time of the Tribulation comes, things will get worse for believers in some ways. But as children of the Most High God, yes, as followers of Christ, we simply have nothing to fear...ever. 

Many are asking how they can trust God when they are facing unemployment, foreclosure, tensions of different types in this world, pressures, maybe failing health, or perhaps bankruptcy? You name it, trials, but let me know and I will earnestly pray for you.

The Bible says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

These words remind us that God is faithful and will not test us beyond our ability to bear it all. It speaks of Him providing..even a way out of the tests, temptations or trials. 

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

Father God, as 2017 draws to a close.. as we look up and ahead at the possibilities ahead of us, please guide us and make us fruitful. We want fruit that abides. Please use us to glorify Jesus. Please help us to face the future with great JOY, peace, and love.. yes, in place of anxieties, religiosity, impurity and or trepidation. 

Whatever You have called me to do may appear to be far beyond my abilities to achieve and I may not see ..how it all could work out. Perhaps many feel this way too. But You, Lord, can pull it off through your church. And I know that You will assume full responsibility for all our needs as we look to, call out to and obey You. Wanna face forward, not backwards in this new year.

Lord, show me ..clearly show us how we can remain in the center of Your will in 2018. Sure, as we anticipate Your kind provision. Father God, help me to seek You earnestly, repeatedly. He me have a heart like Your and to seek Your guidance as I submit to Your direction. I don't ever want any sin to creep in.. or even long temptation. Help me say no so I can say yes to the one thing -- what you want. Lord, we humbly trust you for ongoing victory. Help us to focus in on You more.. and focus on Your character rather than on our circumstances. Sure, by recalling Your victories and blessings. Help us see what you have for us, what You are looking forward to. I pray you would give each of us believers a clear vision for 2018 and beyond this year. Help each of us to cultivate a godly, holy life with right inner motives and daily Bible edification. By meditating on Your Word we want to bless You.. while we wholeheartedly praise You for Your intimate involvement in every detail of our lives. 

As we stay in the center of Your will in 2018, give wisdom, discernment and sweet assurance. Do use us, each one this year. Thanks for hearing. In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.