Thank you, Lord, as I prepare to close out this 2024. I began 2024 with You, and I will end it with You. You are the alpha and the omega…the first and the last…the beginning and the end. Today’s Word comes from Micah 4:3: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”

God reminds us to keep going, be peaceful, and leave this year’s trials and tribulations behind. I’m sure none of us were exempt from facing them. We had our ups and downs and shed tears, but today, God instructs us to rest, rejoice, and hold on to the new Earth upon us. Doesn’t the prophet Isaiah remind us in 43:19 that God is “about to do something new…?”

So, how do I practice that, you might ask, since we are inherently flawed, and as scripture reminds us, our hearts are evil? The Bible tells us that among God’s people, yes, there are wolves who wear sheep’s clothing (Jeremiah 23:14; Matthew 7:15; Titus 1:10; Revelations 2:2). Also, every human heart is inclined toward sin (Romans 3:23), and that includes evil (Genesis 8:21; James 1:4). But don’t forget that God has also given us his Grace and Mercy for those of us who love Him.

I practice gratitude when faced with self-doubt, acceptance when faced with things I cannot control, nonjudgment when faced with criticism, and above all, try my best and act in LOVE as Jesus instructed. This has made all the difference as I walk less traveled roads. I promise that a profound change will occur when we surrender to Jesus and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. It is that simple.

So yes, today, being the last day of this leap year 2024, I invite you to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior if you haven’t already done so. If you have, let’s rejoice together! Let us remind others of His promises, grace, mercy, and new promises every morning. Let us remind others to pick up the Holy Bible and immerse themselves in it. Isn’t it the most remarkable and best-selling book ever since the printing press was invented in 1440?

Go ahead and work on your list of resolutions; go ahead and bake that turkey, chuck roast, tamales, or black-eyed peas, and eat those grapes as did your forefathers. Prepare fireworks, watch the “ball” drop, play your favorite music, and watch your favorite sports or Netflix. Jesus delights in you when you are happy! Enjoy your day and evening, but most of all, never forget the Source.

My prayer for you in 2025 is that God continues to bless you, give you peace, and always cover you with His angels’ wings and hedge of protection! Above all, may you accept and forgive yourself and others, receive His love, and love others as He does.

xxx00xxx

(Pictures courtesy of Tish Secrest, taken at the Bilbao, Spain Museum of Fine Arts)