Robin J Johnson
As I think about and we enter the New Year there are three particular words that have come to mind.
There are, of course, many words that are significant and others not so much. Words are powerful whether spoken positively or negatively. Words can and will have an impact. Therefore, let me share and encourage you with these three key words, which I believe are important and essential attributes that need to be in our lives throughout 2016 and beyond.

Love – Perseverance – Courage

Love

The absolute nature of God, for “God is love”; the One Who loves far beyond anything we are able to imagine. It was Him who initiated this love and made us the object of His desire before we even imagined that He cared.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10

The love He has for you knows no boundaries. And in turn we are asked to imitate Him.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.
Ephesians 5:1

This is a huge challenge I know, but He never asks us to do something we cannot do. Alone it will be impossible, but with God all things are possible. When you love you always win. “Love never fails”!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self- seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…..
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Perseverance

He is the Lord that never changes. His steadfast love, faithfulness and goodness is always the same, unchanging and relentless.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalms 100:5

Imagine what life would be like if He had given up on you and me. His steadfast love rescued you! We too must be steadfast; persevere in trials, in faith, in love for one another and in good works. As we live in a world that is becoming darker with each passing day, increasing evil and with growing pressure to compromise, it is certainly time for His people to persevere, to be steadfast, immovable unwavering in what we believe, and expressed in the words we speak and the actions we take.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58

Courageous

There is no one more courageous than Jesus Christ, who freely offered Himself and endured the shame and the agony of death on a cross that you and I could live.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

In the coming days many of us may be faced with situations that will demand great courage; courage beyond our natural abilities and strength. In the last days we are told that men’s hearts will fail them.

People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
Luke 21:26

However, in these last days I know there will also be men and women who will display great courage in the face of the most adverse, difficult and harsh circumstances. Believers in many nations are already facing great challenges, having their faith severely tested and are standing strong.
For those who have not yet had their faith challenged it will be a testing time for which great courage will be needed. Be courageous, stand strong, holdfast; your life can be a beacon of hope for the many who will observe your courage so they too can be encouraged and enabled to stand.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13

My prayer for you is….

  • May the fullness of our Father’s love fill you and inspire you to greater works
  • May His steadfast Spirit fill you with greater hope and strength
  • May the Holy Spirit fill you with supernatural courage to face and overcome every trial that comes your way
  • May a Spirit of revelation and wisdom abound towards you more
  • May you increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His plans and purpose for your life will unfold more and more and that the glory of God; Father, Son and Holy Sprit be yours in increasing abundance, in Jesus’ mighty name!!!

(All scripture portions used are from the New International Version)