What will the future hold for us as we stand once again on the threshold of a new year? I can predict with confidence that we are more than conquerors in every situation as Romans 8:37 declares! Why expect the worst when all things are possible to those who believe, as Jesus has spoken? Why believe it will be a time of isolation, when Jesus said I will never leave you nor forsake you?

“…But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 MEV). “Good news of great joy” means, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

In 1865, William and Catherine Booth started what would become known as the Salvation Army. They fed the poor and opened lodging houses to shelter the homeless from London’s bitter winters. As their work expanded, William began the practice of sending a telegram of encouragement each Christmas Eve to his “soldiers” around the world. In what would be his last telegram, he realized that because of the cost, his message would have to be brief. He decided to send only one word: “OTHERS.”  This Christmas season, allow Christ to dwell in you and live through you—and have a merry, OTHERS-minded Christmas!

God is NOT waiting for you to make a mistake so He can put a sickness or some calamity on you. It’s the devil who walks about like a roaring lion, looking for someone he can devour (1 Peter 5:8)! He’s the one trying to pervert the Word of God with evil schemes and tricks — he’s trying to convince you that what Jesus has already done for you is not really for you!

God is FOR you! He gave you the gift of eternal life so you would have peace of mind about your future. He gave you His promises for every area of your life so you would know His best for you. God is not hard, He is benevolent!

If a branch of a tree is abiding in the life of that tree, that means its connection to that tree is stable and fixed. When we are truly abiding in Christ then our connection should be stable and fixed, so like a healthy branch, we will grow, strengthen, and produce fruit!

Matthew 7:11 says, “If you then being evil know how to give goods unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good gifts to them that ask Him?” Not only is God NOT using sickness, disease and lack as a tool to make us learn something, He clearly tells us that He has a great desire to answer our prayers and to meet our needs!

Poverty is not fate for the unlucky. Poverty is not a destiny to train you in godliness. Poverty is addressed by Jesus and has been broken off your life forever by His work on the cross!

Regardless of where you find yourself today, Jesus said, “I will never leave you and never forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). You can come to Him — or return to Him — right now! He is waiting for you with arms wide-open!

Many years ago in my church they took me to the cross where I saw the crucified Christ, but I never IDENTIFIED with Him. My spiritual leaders never took me beyond the cross…never understood that it was me up on the cross dying so it would be me resurrecting to a new life!