Calvary Pointers Morning Showers 22 September 2023 Devotional by Reverend Ajisafe Opeyemi - A New Hope
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
We should possess a very high spirit, new hope, refreshed aspirations and divine strength for the journey of this year.
As we look back over the last 12 months, what comes to mind? Every year is full of ups and downs, highs and lows, successes and failures—though it’s likely you’ve never experienced a year like this!
But for many, the new year symbolizes something more than just the end of another year; it means the dawning of new possibilities, new hopes, new ideas, and new dreams.
As we consider what the next 12 months will bring, some people eagerly look forward, while others might be filled with dread, worried that this year will be just as hard—or worse—as the last.
To all of us who follow Christ, the Apostle Peter has a message: We have a living hope that can never die. We have received this living hope through the great mercy of God by the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!
It’s a hope we can rest in and lean on—a hope that is renewed not with the new year, but with each and every morning!
For some of us, the tragedies of this year may be obscuring our view of this living hope. Many times, we can get stuck in the past, consumed by the circumstances that have taken place, embittered and overcome by challenges and tribulations of the past, by things that are wrong in our nation, by all the things that didn’t go our way.
Some are trapped in their failures, mistakes, and sins, etc so much so that we become spiritually paralyzed—incapable of enjoying the abundant life Jesus came to give us, and unable to live out the calling God has placed on us.
I pray over each and every one of us that this wouldn’t be your story this year! Remember what Paul said: “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:13–14 NLT).
There are few things more difficulties to overcome than the past. It shapes who we are today; it often defines so much of our lives and the choices that we make. But we can overcome it! How? By “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
So, for you, this new year may be full of triumph. If so, that’s awesome! To some, it may be full of tragedy. I pray it isn’t for you. Or peradventure, it is a mix of both for you at the moment, may you have sufficient grace to scape through and be filled with awesome victory in Jesus name.
As we go in the journey of this year, do these three things earnestly:
1. Dig: How has your past influenced you? How has it impacted your life choices and your present standing? Are there corrections to be made. Quickly make necessary changes and push on.
2. Discover: What is your New Year’s Resolution? This will give enough momentum and energy to carry on.
3. Do: If you are experiencing difficulty overcoming the past, pray! Ask the Lord for His comfort, strength, and peace. Consider speaking with trusted loved ones and friends in the faith about what’s holding you back.
Whatever that held you back in the previous years must not be allowed to hold you back this year.
Your glory is shining this year and you are indeed singing a new song.
Good Morning!
#MyGloryIsShining!
#NewPossibilities
#BirthingNewVision
MORNING SHOWERS Today, 22 September 2023 was written by Reverend Ajisafe Opeyemi; is the founder and Senior Pastor of Calvary Pointers Covenant Church situated at Block C, Road A, Unity Estate, Gbaga Bus Stop, by Ijede Rd, Ikorodu Lagos,Nigeria