The Grand Story begins with a wedding and ends with a wedding. We will lift our glasses with Adam & Eve to toast the King. "Blessed are those who are invited to the Marriage Supper." Rev. 19:9. In this uncertain world where we live, there is only One Who is Faithful and True. People will let us down. We will face loss in this world. We will never lose. He has defeated the enemy.
He showed John a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne. Rev 22:1. The river of life here on earth is muddied, cursed. There will be no more curse. One Day Soon.
So, keep this book open. It will effect your eternity. To those who are walking with God, this book is alive and active. It will confirm, strengthen, encourage, and sanctify those who know Him and keep it. As we close the book for 2013, may we never think that what is dead in our lives will count, will save, will carry. It won't. There is no middle ground. Jesus Christ is the center of all. This Word will penetrate us, even to dividing soul and spirit. It will judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Heb 4:12.
May we not leave 2013 without accepting the gracious invitation of The First and The Last. Let's earnestly thirst after greater measures of the gracious influences and His gracious presence. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 14:2 ~ The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. As you look down on 2013, may we be found faithful to You, The First and The Last.
My deep gratitude to those of you who have journeyed with us this year. We hope that you will continue reading chronologically with us in 2014. We are also adding a companion book that focuses on prayer: "Come Boldly: Timeless Daily Encouragements on Prayer." I will post every Sunday the suggested readings from the book that will correspond with the daily chronological readings. If you do not purchase a book, you will see excerpts from CH every Sunday. God is drawing us up, and drawing us in. May we find Him in 2014 in ways we never expected. Ephesians 3:20. Please leave a comment today, New Year's Eve, if you have read with us sometime during this year. Our Gratitude and Prayers for you in 2014. You'll see how prayer will change us for good!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that God is truly all over this year's reading, or at least for me. We are starting a new year in my church with the emphasis on prayer also. Even going to have a session on fasting and prayer. I am thrilled beyond words. I am truly in the midst of where He wants me to be and truly expect God to show up in a mighty way as we read through the Bible again(love doing it chronologically..)my favorite way to read it. Have done it twice and look forward to it again.
DeleteI'd love to know what resources you use when you study fasting and prayer, Mary Lou.
DeleteWhenever they give it to us....will be SS lessons I believe. I will send you an email with the info....or maybe strictly be in sermons but the way we did things this Fall and the way I think this is supposed to go is the SS lessons will go along with the sermons....Praying Like It Matters..
DeleteBev and Pearls,
ReplyDeletePsalm 73:25 "Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You."
And He is ever faithful from beginning to end!
Thank you for another wonderful year of being in the Word of God together, and for each of you who shared your heart here. It means so much to me to have this place of refuge and prayer and concern for each other as we walk this thing out with Jesus.
For 2014, I am excited about coming here and doing the daily readings, with a special emphasis on prayer and intimacy with God! On Monday mornings, I will post a little here and more on my old blog with some thoughts from the devotional "Come Boldly" that correlate with our readings for the week. I know it's a lot to jump around from one blog to another but after you read here, I would love for you to stop by my blog on Mondays when you can. I am so excited about what God will show us this year as we seek to draw closer, closer, and He transforms us from glory to increasing glory! (My blog address http://annettegeffert.com)
Blessed 2014—Let this be the year where we each fully embrace the Lord's favor, that we open our minds, our hearts to God, and are changed forever because of it! Love you all.
Annette, as I told Bev...I ordered my book a few minutes ago...will have by Monday. Looking forward to reading your thoughts. You write so beautifully and it always speaks to my heart. I am so excited since I am doing something similar at church. Believing my prayer life is about to be very deeply enriched. Also know the enemy will be after me, so am gearing up for that too. the One who is on my side is far more powerful than he is. Love you both.
ReplyDeleteI know--it's kind of scary at the same time, knowing satan will not like effective praying Christians. But we are armed with the armor of God, and the battle will be the Lord's on our behalf. Love your heart, Mary Lou, and looking forward to our EIGHTH year reading through Scriptures together. Wow!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading the Bible with the Pearls this year and am looking forward to a new year with you. Our church is reading through the Bible with "Through the Bible Reading Program". It features a Chronological Reading Program with a Bible Study Book with commentary, lessons from the pulpit and questions. I will try my best to keep up with both studies.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, this has been a very difficult year, I am looking forward to 2014. There will be significant changes in our lives, as we continue to look for the way God has for us. As I go about everyday life, in my home, I wonder if we will be here next year, I do mental inventory of the things I would like to take if we have to move, and what I can do without. It is a way of letting go. And, the funny thing is, there is not much I need. God and family, and memories are all that seem important to me.
God is merciful, He is good, and He IS and EVERMORE WILL BE, all I really need.
Jan, I have seen God work in your heart in such beautiful ways. Thank you for being faithful here but more than ever, faithful to Him. I'm thinking the Chronological Reading Program at your church is the same. We are doing Bible Gateway. What is the name of your Bible Study Book. Oh Please! Stay in touch with us since you are doing a reading plan. Doesn't matter if you post something from a different day. It will be close. Love you so!
DeleteBlessings Pearls, may we our love of our Lord grow more each day in 2014.
ReplyDeleteAnnette H
Annette, your words touch deep places in me. The Beautiful God inside of you speaks to all of us over and over and over. Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. So delighted you are with us another year. So delighted! It just seems that whenever I needed a word of encouragement, you were there. Love!
Delete