Month: January 2024

Nine days into the new year, I have one resolution on my heart – to draw nearer to Jesus. 

One way I plan to do this is by spending more time with Him in the silence.

Lastnight, before I fell asleep, I asked my guardian angel and the Holy Spirit to wake me early in the morning, before my alarm rings – and to get me out of bed. These two things do not always happen in tandem, right?!

As if on cue, at 4:45 a.m., I was awakened by our German Shepherd, who wanted to go outside. The wind was howling as I walked with her through the door and into the morning air. A wintry mix of snow and rain brushed my cheeks. As we made our way across the lawn, I couldn’t help but smile as I realized what had happened – my guardian angel and the Holy Spirit were hard at work, and there was no turning back. I was up and starting my day!

By 5:30 a.m., I was sitting at my table, with coffee in hand. I turned to the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, which details the empty tomb and Jesus’ subsequent appearances to Mary Magdalene and His disciples. It’s quite a scene – filled with two distinct calls to action. First, Jesus does all that He can to help the disciples believe that it is truly Him, risen from the dead. In particular, He shows the disciples the wounds from the crucifixion, on His hands and His side. (John 20: 20).

Second, as He breathes and prays over them, Jesus says these words to them:

“’Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’” John 20: 22

Later in the chapter, Jesus meets up with Thomas, one of the disciples who doubts that He is risen from the dead. Jesus shows Thomas His wounds and says to him,

“’Stop doubting and believe.’” John 20: 27

Before we can do anything else well, we must first believe.

Jesus speaks so plainly to His disciples – and to all of us today – about how we can remain near to Him:

BELIEVE. FORGIVE.

What would happen if we focused more on Jesus’ gentle commands? What would change for us and for others in this new year?  

I bet if we believed more, we would readily get out of bed, to have time with the Lord in silence and to plan out our days together. We would reprioritize our time and look for more opportunities to genuinely help others. We would have more peace, even when chaos swirls around us. We would turn to Him first, when we are not sure what to do, and He would help us to stay focused on goodness.

I bet if we forgave more, we would more readily see Christ in one another. We would have more patience with each other – and with ourselves. We would certainly be more humble and more aware of the gifts of others around us. We would feel more hopeful and joyful.

We would draw and remain nearer to Jesus.

Jesus continues to call to us in the new year.

BELIEVE. FORGIVE.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4: 31-32

Jesus is calling to us in the new year:

“’I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’” John 10:10

I relish the promise of Jesus’ words: I do not want you to have just an ordinary life – I want you to have an extraordinary and abundant life. That is My dream for you, dear ones.

I think about the dreams and longings we hold in our hearts. God has given each one of us every talent and grace we need to bring those dreams to life. These talents and graces are as unique as our dreams.

The longings of our hearts matter – these are the things that make us come alive. These are the gifts of goodness, from God, that we alone can bring to the world. And some day, the dreams we realize will become our legacy.

Will this be the year we make a dream a reality?

I can remember a time when I was wrestling with change. A dear friend with much faith in God told me, “Do what frightens you. Say your prayers, listen for God, and take a chance with Him.”

That is perhaps some of the best advice I have ever received; so I pass these words along to you.

May this be a year of “abundant” living, with Christ and through Christ, for all of us.

Happy New Year!