January Focus - Thankfulness
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God inChrist Jesus for you.
-1st Thessalonians 5:18-18
Week 2: A Thankful Anticipation
Let’s reflect on how God’s past grace fuels our hope for 2023
God does not change. He is immutable. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. All that God is today, he has always been and always will be. God has no room for improvement. He cannot change for the better. He is already perfect. Moreover, God’s love for us is eternal. “I have loved you with an everlasting love” – Jeremiah 31:3. “And having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them to the end.” – John 13:1.
God is not fickle and flighty. His love and care for us do not wax and wane. How God has
treated us in the past is how he will treat us in the future. What God has done before, he will do again. People are inconsistent, but God is consistent. Human beings cannot be relied upon, but God can. His purpose is fixed. His plan is stable. His word is sure. Concerning his promises, God always does what he promises to do, and we can depend on him never to be unfaithful to his promises. Concerning his promises, God always does what he says, and we can rely on him.
Thank God that he is faithful and always trustworthy (Deut. 32:4, Num 23:19)
Thank God that his Word is perfect & true (Isaiah 40:8, Matt 24:25, Psalm 12:6-7)
Thank God that no matter what happens in 2023, we will be able to rejoice in hope (Rom 12:12, Rom 15:13)
Thank God for how the “blessed hope” of Christ’s return gives us strength for this life and assurance concerning our future (Titus 2:13)
By faith, we will again expect God to do great things in us and through us for his glory (Psalm 126:3, Isaiah 41:10, Luke 149)
Hymn: O God, Our Help in Ages Past (Isaac Watts)
1 O God, our Help in ages past, Our Hope for years to come,
Our Shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal Home!
2 Under the shadow of Thy throne Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.
3 Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God To endless years the same.
4 O God, our Help in ages past, Our Hope for years to come,
Be Thou our Guide while life shall last, And our eternal Home.
Eagerly Anticipating God’s Works in 2023
New Year
New Hope
New Members
New Children
New Marriages
New Grace
New Resolve
New Focus
New Growth