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!

1. God’s timing for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! (Gal 4:4) – “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.”

The word “fulness” is πλήρωμα, which means to fill, or to be full. It can mean to supply, or to patch, even to supplement, or finally, it can mean completion. This definition prompts these questions.

* When was the “fulness of time”? The fulness of time encompasses the perfection of the Roman roads, the dialect of the Greek language, and the hopeless spiritual condition of the nation of Israel.

* What did God do in “the fullness of time”?

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.”

Don’t miss it….God sent forth His Son. Jesus Christ was born of a virgin in order that we might be born again by the Spirit!

Did you notice that phrase that Jesus Christ was born under the law? What does it mean? Remember. Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Actually, Paul states further that Jesus came to “redeem” us from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13). Why did the Holy Spirit inspire Paul to write that?

Introduction: Good news. Jesus was born. God came in the flesh. He identifies with mankind, and yet without sin, thereby, forgiving our sin through His redeeming blood. Since the penalty of sin is death (Rom 6:23), this brings eternal life – life beyond the grave. Where else in the world can a person find this? The answer is nowhere.

All of this is GOOD NEWS to a BAD NEWS world. That is why we who name the name of Jesus ought to READ all about it, and GO TELL all about it like the shepherds. 

Let’s read Luke’s narrative on this special occasion. 

They heard, and went to see, and then told everybody! (Luke 2:15-18) – “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.”

Conclusion: So what is left? Go tell it on the Mountain!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6).

Let’s break down the text and see the multi-meanings of the role of Jesus.

1. He can carry the Government of this world! (Isa 9:6) – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Imagine a government controlled by God! On the opposite end of the spectrum, in our modern day, the government seems to be controlled by Satan. Can you tell? But according to this text, one day, Jesus Christ will rule and reign over this world. Besides that, check out WHO He is, and WHAT He can do.

2. Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace! (Isa 9:6) – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Jesus Christ is all of these and more. He is wonderful in His CREATION and SALVATION.
He is the COUNSELOR of counselors because He embodies all WISDOM.
He is MIGHTY in power and strength, and gives grace and power to all who trust in Him.
He is from everlasting to everlasting. In other words, He has no beginning or ending.
And finally, Isaiah declares all PEACE resides in Him because He is the Prince of Peace.

Conclusion: To cap it off, read verse seven of the text.

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever” (Isa 9:7).

Introduction: Have you noticed that God uses LIGHT! Luke’s gospel reveals how God lit up the sky paving the way for Jesus Christ to be born.

“….And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid” (Luke 2:9).

Consider how our God uses light. 

1. Moses wrote (Num 24:17):

“I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel..”

Our Lord lit up the sky with a witness in the form of a star. The star shone the way for the wise men to find Jesus Christ. Are you following the light of the Lord? Instead of darkness, the Spirit of God gives light – illumination. We can walk in the light!

Shine the light!!

2. Jesus said (John 8:12):

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Jesus is the light! Let your light shine!!

3. John revealed (1John 1:5):

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

Isn’t that interesting? God is light! Now we know why Satan is called the Prince of darkness. 

Conclusion: Did you know there is coming a time when no more light will be needed? The book of Revelation reveals this truth.

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is  the light thereof” (Rev 22:23).

Enjoy the light. Come to the light. Shine the light of Jesus!

Introduction: I love the journey of Jesus! He went from GLORY to GLORY!! In other words, He left heaven’s glory and ascended back to heaven’s glory.

This devotional verse explains that unparalleled event. 

Notice the steps:

1. The first was His INCARNATION! (1Tim 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

Did you see the terms “God was manifest in the flesh”?

That refers to His divinity and His humanity. God in the flesh!

Jesus became a man – the God man. But why? So that He could live a life without sin. Something we could not do! And ultimately die in the place of our sins in order for us to be forgiven. 

2. Next was His JUSTIFICATION! (1Tim 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

The word “justified” is δικαιόω,(dik-ah-yo’), which means to make righteous, or to defend the cause of, plead for the righteousness (innocence) of. It can mean to acquit, or to justify. Or simply put, it means regard as righteous.

3. Jesus’ ADMINISTRATION! (1Tim 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

Did you know that angels were ministering to Jesus from His birth until His ascension? Furthermore, angels will be with Him both at the rapture and His second coming. 

How is that going to be?

4. Jesus and SALVATION! (1Tim 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

The words “manifest” are to make visible. The word is φανερόω (fan-er-o’-o), which means to make visible, or to make clear; it can mean to make known.

Here Paul declares that Jesus Christ preached unto the gentiles who believed unto Him and were saved/forgiven. 

Conclusion: Finally, after describing Jesus’ incarnation, salvation, and manifestation, Paul declares His Revelation. 

Now we’ve gone from “glory to glory.”