The New is Here

 

Friend -- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17  Happy New Year! Remembering the word “happy” in the New Testament is translated from the word “blessed,” we begin this message not only as a greeting to you – but a praise and reality in Christ the author of our days, the reason for our hope, the Prince of Peace, and according to Revelation 21:5, He is “making all things new.” Our moments, days, and years are not victims of this world but in Christ we walk and live in the victory of the newness of life we have been given when we shed our dead flesh-filled life. Having believed and surrendered our life to Christ Jesus; calling on Him as our Lord and Savior we now walk in the newness of life, not just on January 1st each year, but waking to it every morning and walking in it every day. Even more, His mercies are new every morning. In repentance our sins are washed away, and our new hearts beat in gratefulness and great expectation of what God has purposed for this year knowing “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NAS). We pray that as you step into 2023 that your hearts are filled to overflowing with hope, praise and thanks to God for all that He has done, is doing, and has promised to do. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not define your circumstances by earthly standards and situations but know according to Ephesians 2:6 that you are raised up with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places. You cannot be shaken or taken from His loving care; He will never leave or forsake us. Therefore, if there is any hurt, unforgiveness, offense, unholy thought, or feeling that you experienced in 2022 or before, let me encourage you to leave it there. Throw it out of your heart, take it captive and lock it away in the past, and walk free from it in 2023. Shout “Liberty and Victory” in Christ and rid yourself of whatever the enemy has tried to shackle you with; thwart Satan’s efforts to keep you from the fullness and newness of life that God has for you. Profess Christ’s forgiveness, mercy, and love as you run renewed with joy and hope into this new year. Please join me as we step into this year uniting in prayer together. Lord Jesus, we praise You as our Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer; forgiver of our sin and making us new in Your righteousness. We thank You for the newness of life that we get to walk in every moment of every day. We thank You for the blessings and opportunities to serve You and share Your Word and love that You have already prepared for us in this new year. We cast our cares on You as our Defender, Protection and Provider of all we need, and commit to forgive as You have forgiven us and give mercy as You Lord have given. We leave all woundedness, doubt, thoughts, and feelings that are not holy and pleasing to You in the past. With Your power and Spirit, we walk as new creations into a new year knowing the old has gone and we seek nothing but to glorify You each day. We lift up our prayer in joyful response to Your love and in Your precious Holy Name, Amen! Serving Him with gladness, Kathy Branzell President, National Day of Prayer Task Force   2023 Resources Are Now Available CLICK HERE to shop the full collection of prayer guides, banners, invites, and apparel! We have the same great resources you know and love, plus new options to order customized products for your NDP event!   UPCOMING EVENTS Join us tonight, Thursday evening, December 5th at 8 p.m. ET on our First Thursday Pray For America call! Dial in at 667-770-1523 and enter access code 4961322# to pray with us!   2023 Co-Host Announced If you haven't heard yet, our 2023 co-host has been announced! Reverend Samuel Rodriguez joins as co-host of this year’s 72nd annual National Day of Prayer. CLICK HERE to read more!   AVAILABLE RESOURCES  CLICK HERE to download your copy of the 2023 National Day of Prayer theme art!     About the National Day of Prayer The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.   National Day of Prayer Task Force http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/

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