Hope for 2024

Opening Statement: As we are about to begin a new year, the future may look frightening because of the darkness and chaos in the world; but take heart for there is always Hope in God.  Jesus is the Light of the world, and He is the Hope of the world, so if we follow Him, we have nothing to fear!

Proverbs 29:25 NLT  25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.

Psalms 46:1-2 NLT 1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Obadiah 1:13-15 NLT 13 You should not have plundered the land of Israel when they were suffering such calamity.  You should not have gloated over their destruction when they were suffering such calamity.  You should not have seized their wealth when they were suffering such calamity.

14 You should not have stood at the crossroads, killing those who tried to escape.

You should not have captured the survivors and handed them over in their terrible time of trouble.

15 “The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads.

Psalms 122:6-7 NLT  6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem.  May all who love this city prosper.  7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.

Thoughts From Richelle: Look at the condition of our nation.  There is evil abounding, and good is called evil and evil good.  I believe with all my heart that God is going to turn this nation around, but WE as the Church, the Ecclesia of God, the Remnant, had better pray and intercede for this nation, because God expects us to do our part.  Don’t expect to sit back and do nothing and expect God to do everything.  That is not how He works.  

3 Keys: prayer, submission, and obedience.

GROWTH

G – God’s Guidance

Psalm 32:8 NKJV 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

R – Righteousness

Psalm 34:15 ESV The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.

Proverbs 14:34 ESV Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

O – Obedience 

Jeremiah 7:23 ESV But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’

1 John 5:2-3 ESV 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

W – Wisdom

Psalm 111:10 ESV The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

James 1:5 ESV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

T – Truth 

John 14:6 ESV Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 8:32 ESV And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

H – Humility 

Proverbs 22:4 ESV The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. 

James 4:10 ESV Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

G – God’s Guidance

R – Righteousness

O – Obedience 

W – Wisdom

T – Truth 

H – Humility 

Final Statement: As we begin a new year tomorrow, let’s seek Father God – what is His will for our lives in the coming year, and pray not my will be Yours be done.  Make His Word a daily part of our lives – study the Word, meditate on the Word, and pray the Word.  We need to know what the Word says – it needs to be our guide. And last but not least, pray, pray, pray.  His truth will guide us, His love will sustain us, and His peace that passes all understanding will keep us through Christ Jesus, our Lord.  We will never be more fulfilled, content, and happy than when we are in the center of His will.  He is our Hope for a joyous and blessed New Year!