1. Being In Christ sends old things away! (2 Cor 5:17) – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Once born again, the old condemning penalty for sin passes away. Gone…. never to be remembered anymore. The lake of fire is no longer in view! Whereas, the gift of God is now New!

2. Being In Christ doesn’t mean that some old things won’t try to come back! (Gal 5:16-24) – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

Obviously even though the flesh has been dealt with by the mighty cross of Jesus Christ, its underlying tentacles try to resurface. Howbeit, one fatal blow by the Holy Spirit renders it inoperative.

3. Being In Christ means that one day all old things will pass away, but things will be made New! (Rev 21:1-7) – “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea…..”

Somewhere in the future there is going to be a passing away of the old earth as we know it, but a creating of a new heaven and a new earth. How is God going to do it? Only He knows. Can’t wait!

Introduction: Imagine….working with God! Jonah learned that you can not RUN “from” God…. you cannot RUN “over” the Lord, but you can RUN “with” God.

1. What does it mean to be a co-laborer? (1Cor 3:9) – “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” Are you working with the Lord?

2. Who gets the reward? (1Cor 3:8) – “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” God rewards those who serve Him (John 12:26).

3. When will the rewards come? (1Cor 3:11-16) – “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

1. Be GLAD with CERTAINTY! (Rom 12:12) – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”

Do you see first of all, “rejoicing in hope”? That means be glad with certainty! We have hope because God is the God of all hope! Have you lost hope? You can be certain that Jesus knows our every need.

2. Be Patient thru ADVERSITY! (Rom 12:12) – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”

This is a great word. “Patient in tribulation.” The word patient means here “stand your ground” thru trouble and trials.
Instead of falling down, we are to “stand our ground”! Are you standing or falling?

Introduction: How can we have confidence going into the New Year? Here are 3 secrets to share with others who are going into the New Year.

1. Confident in spite of the Unexpectable! (Josh 3:4) – “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.”

Even though we do not know what to expect, we can have confidence that our God has already been there. He knows what is going to happen from the beginning to the end.

That should bring a sense of Peace in our hearts. Does it yours?

2. Assurance with the Unchangeable! (Josh 1:8) – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Some things do not CHANGE! The Bible is the same; Jesus Christ is the same. Therefore living in a world of changes, this should bring security to our hearts because of its promises. 

3. Faithful and Unfearful! (Josh 1:9) – “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

If our God is for us who can be against us?

Conclusion: These three secrets are the way to going into the New Year without fear!

Are you going to be fearful or faithful?

Introduction: 2024 is here…. Happy New Year! But truthfully, without our Lord’s guidance and blessing, 2024 will be in vain.

So, the following is a New Year’s prescription for a great year: 

1. Where can we find SATISFACTION in the New Year? (Psa 37:4; John 7:17) – “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

Remember. Obedience always brings Blessings! That is where we will find fulfillment in life, which results in a satisfying life. Have you discovered that truth?

2. Where can we find DIRECTION for the New Year? (Rom 8:14; Psa 37:23) – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

Going in the right direction is important wouldn’t you say? Well, how then can we know we are going in the right direction? The answer is by the Spirit of God. And don’t forget, to add the Word of God. 

Are you headed in the right direction this New Year? Do you need to follow God’s GPS system?

3. Where can we find RESTORATION in the New Year? (Psa 23:3; Gal 6:1) – “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

The ministry of RESTORATION is greatly needed in our day. While many profess to be saved, it becomes obvious that they are not walking in the will of God. Therefore, confession and restoration must take place.

Do you know anybody that needs restoring?

4. Where can we find RECONCILIATION in the New Year? (2Cor 5:18-20) – “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Jesus has called us to be agents of reconciliation. How are you doing? Go and help others to be reconciled. 

Conclusion: What do you think of this New Year’s Prescription?

Try it. You will like it!

1. Relational changes
2. Financial changes

Read Hebrews 12:14-15:

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”

Wrongdoing, bitter feelings, and separation plagues too many families, including CHRISTians. Forgiveness is desperately needed. Grace definitely needs to be extended. Love is greatly lacking. All of these emotional issues are not problematic in themselves when being discussed. The problem is learning to “let go” or “hold on”!

Jesus gives us the cure for this sinful disease. (Isa 1:18, 1John 1:9, Eph 4:32)

Here are some selective New Testament passages:

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2Cor 9:6-8).

Introduction: How is your prayer life? The New Year is right around the corner, and with it brings new expectations. What can we pray for in the New Year? 

Here are a few suggestions:

1. How about New Vision? (Hab 2:1-4) – “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

God has the BIG picture in mind. He has the much more…but often He will give His Vision before the Provision. Habakkuk needed a word from the Lord. Do you?

Remember. He did not have the full revelation of Scripture in his day, whereas, we do. Study the Word. Find insight from the Bible concerning the Will of God. 

2. How about a New Provision? (Phil 4:19) – “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Where our Lord guides, He provides. Are you trusting Him?

Conclusion: What about it? New Vision? New Provisions? New Decisions? 

Why not make these your prayer for 2024?

Introduction: Are you going to expect “less than heaven’s best” in 2024? Or are you going to trust Jesus for “Much More in 2024?”

Where can we pray and trust our Lord for “More in 2024”?

1. More Faith! (James 1:2-4; 1Pet 1:6,7) – “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Who doesn’t need more faith in 2024? Are you a candidate? Truthfully, every Christian could use alittle more faith….faith in the area of finances? family? future? friends?

Why not trust the Lord for an open door of more faith in 2024?

2. More Grace! (James 4:6) – “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

Grace is greatly needed. Without God’s amazing grace, available grace, and abounding grace we would be sunk and worthless.

But because of His Grace being in Place we can run the Race….Grace to forgive….Grace to let go of hurts and pain….Grace to move on without being bitten with bitterness….Grace to show love when it is not deserved….Grace to rise above the stench of the world….Grace to persevere when you feel like quitting…..Grace to stay focused when things are blurry…..Grace to stay humble when goals are accomplished….Grace to war against principalities and powers…..Grace to pray for others. Oh the GRACE of GOD that is GREATER than all our sins!!!

3. More Opportunities with an Open Door in 2024! (2Cor 2:12; Acts 14:27; 1Cor 16:9) – “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord.”

“And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.”

“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”

One dear lady who lived in an assisted living home used to say to this Pastor every time seeing her, “Prayer is the Key to heaven, but FAITH unlocks the door”!

Conclusion: Are you looking for an OPEN DOOR in 2024? Besides these mentioned in this brief devotion, a DOOR of more FAITH, more GRACE, and more OPPORTUNITIES, what DOORS will be set before you in 2024?

Notice his description of the glorified Christ.

“His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength” (Rev 1:14-16).

Also could you tell what Jesus is doing?

“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle” (Rev 1:12-13).

These seven golden candlesticks are likened unto the seven Churches. Is the risen Christ still walking in the midst of His Churches?

Finally, the Lord gives us a Revelation of what He holds in His hand.

“The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches” (Rev 1:20).

Whether this is angels or Pastors either way Jesus holds both!

Introduction: Can you believe we are on the brink of a New Year? This time of the year calls for a New Open Door in 2024.

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (Rev 3:8)

1. A New Open Door in 2024 by standing on biblical Authority! (Rev 3:8) – “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”

The key to the blessings on this Church was her willingness to be “OBEDIENT “to both the Will of God and the Word of God.

Can we say that we’ve been OBEDIENT? Remember, James writes, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Remember it is better to “obey” than to “sacrifice.” Truthfully, isn’t it like us to want to do “more things” (be busy – even serving our Lord) rather than confess our sins and make restitution with others? Are you substituting your service instead of surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?

2. A New Open Door in 2024 by not being intimidated by the Majority! (Rev 3:8) – “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for not thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”

Did you notice that John writes that the believers in the Church of Philadelphia had not “denied Jesus name”?

Have you denied our Lord’s name either by omission or commission? If not, then expect an Open Door in 2024!