MERRY MONDAY BY PARRIS-
“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:16
To some of us, closing out 2016 has been a good thing. As in most years, there have been losses, some have seen more. In our little world, Frank’s younger brother and a close friend passed away way too soon, our house also flooded. Despite these unexpected events God’s grace came in such sweet ways through it all.There was also many breakthroughs and joys this year. In the above passage, Jesus went to his home town and his place of worship where he read the ancient prophecies. When he proclaimed the acceptable year of the Lord he knew he was right in the middle of God’s will, even though the town tried to kill him. In 2017 we will see a new president and hopefully the United States will find itself pleasantly surprised with fresh opportunities. Instead of “no hope” as Michelle Obama said, we can pick up the scriptures and always find hope. I pray you will find fresh perspective, fresh drive and fresh purpose. Personally as a Christian I will use this “acceptable year of the Lord” for new strength to proclaim the good news, to set the captives free, and bring new sight to the blind. The old is gone, the new is here. We can join Jesus when he said, “the spirit of the Lord is indeed upon us”.
Peter knew the importance of the word of God when he said, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (I Pet.1:2) Will you challenge yourself to read the Bible through this year? Let’s put away the year hurt, anger and gossip. Lets steep ourselves in His precious promises that when the changes, twists and turns come we will have his divine light.
How will this year look to you? I believe the Holy Spirit as our counselor can be the divine guide through the next 365 days. Will you be open to his leading? Do you spend time in prayer praying in the Holy Ghost as Jude instructs us? Are you fulfilling the great commission and giving back your finances to the kingdom? The acceptable year of the Lord is 2017, Peter again challenges us with this scripture: “Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,…” (1 Pet.1:19)
MAY YOU HAVE A PROSPEROUS YEAR IN 2017 WITH CHRIST!