How y’all are? Hard to believe that 2019 is right around the corner. I’m sure glad you found me here alive and kicking.
People aren’t perfect. That can be even more true of Christians than it is others. Maybe that’s due to the misconception that believers are able to live more perfectly than others. Truth is, Christians struggle too. Life ain’t easy. Temptations prowl around the corner waiting to ensnare us and throw us off course.
As Christians, we do have the benefit of an instruction book to follow and the revelation from God on how we ought to live, especially in light of the gift of grace we received through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yet, we don’t always do what we know we should do.
Romans 7:15-20 The Message (MSG)
14-16 I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.
17-20 But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
As 2018 spirals to a halt making way for 2019, I’ve had a chance to reflect back on the past twelve months and begun contemplating what the new year will bring. I’m looking forward to 2019. How about you?
Below are some Scripture verses to prepare you for the year ahead. May they be a blessing to you and those you love.
Blessings for a Happy 2019!
The Devotional Guy™
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7 (NLT)
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11(MSG)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
The Devotional Guy™ 
How marvelous that you to post most of my favorite verses, and I see them today while I must rest and heal. Very, very cool! God bless the new year!
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Blessings to you and yours in 2019! Hope you’ll keep reading my posts. I’m thankful for your comments and grateful this post served as an encouragement to you.
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