January 2024
In Second Peter chapter 1, and verse 4, the Apostle Peter says, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the (God’s) Divine Nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
The Peter tells us here that you and I are partakers of God’s Divine Nature. That’s an awesome thought to know that we are partakers of God’s Divine nature. But the question we must answer is, “just what is the nature of our God.”
The Bible teaches us that God’s nature is to be a “Holy, Loving, Caring, Forgiving, Compassionate and Giving God and Father.” Now, If we are His children and we say we are, then we should have the same attributes! Not only are these the attributes of God’s Nature, but there is another attribute to His Nature that we need to look at. And as we begin the New Year, I believe it’s something we really need to focus on.
Jesus told us in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.”
God didn’t just one day decide to throw Jesus at us. No He gave much thought and preparation, before ever gave us the Greatest Gift anyone could ever give. But in doing so, He not only sent Jesus into the world to die for our sins, but He had something on His mind as well. Let’s look at what the Psalmist David had to say in Psalm 115:12-18.
“The LORD has been mindful of us: He will bless us; He will bless the House of Israel; He will bless the House of Aaron. He will bless them who fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. You are blessed of the LORD Who made Heaven and earth. The Heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth has He given to the children of men. The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD!”
David informs us that God is mindful of us. And not only is He mindful of us, but He also has increase on is mind for us. This is another attribute of God’s Divine Nature. So, if we are partakers of God’s Divine Nature as Peter told us, shouldn’t we have increase on our minds? As we have just celebrated this Christmas time of the year, we should be looking forward to 2024 as being the greatest year ever. With increase on our minds, because David says this earth has been given to us to increase in. Too many Christians are too concerned about just getting by, without any thought of prospering and increasing in the New Year ahead.
The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “But this I say, “He who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.” There are five things a Believer must do when they give!
- He must give willingly from his heart.
- He must not give grudgingly or feeling forced into.
- He must not give out of compulsion.
- He must give cheerfully, happily, and hilariously.
- Give with the expectation that God will give you the increase.
Quit looking to people as being your source of increase, because they can never take the place of God. Yes God uses people to bless you and increase you, but He is your Jehovah Jireh, He is your Provider and not man. The Christmas Season is the time to be happy and thankful and not a time to grudge, but it’s also a time to prepare yourself for the New Year with the expectation of increase, just like God the Father did when He gave us Jesus!
This New Year I want to encourage you that God is not finished with you, so whatever you do, don’t give up, don’t cave in, and don’t quit! God will keep His Word and His Covenant to you. I also want to encourage you to spend time each and every day, praying in the Holy Spirit. Stay in faith. Stay in the Word. Keep INCREASE ON YOUR MIND, KEEP SPEAKING INCREASE, and the right things and making the right confessions of faith. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; and remember “God loves you; we love you and JESUS IS LORD!”
In the Service of Our King,
Darrell G. Harrelson
