January 2025
As we stand on the verge of a brand new year, I believe we are closer to the return of Jesus than ever before. In Luke’s Gospel Chapter 21, Jesus tells us about the things that will be happening in the world which we actually now see the things taking place all round us. He tells us in verse 28, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.” The promise Jesus gave to us that He would return for is found in John’s Gospel Chapter 14. Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s House are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
While Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, there some things that we as Believers can do to prepare ourselves for our Savior and Lord. I want to share with you a few of the things the LORD gave me over 40 years ago, that I personally have applied to my Christian walk, which I believe have helped me live the overcoming, victorious life that the LORD has called us to live.
THINGS TO DO FAITHFULLY IN 2025
PRAYER:
1 Timothy 2:1-4
“I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
This should be the first thing on every Believer’s daily agenda. Too often Christians only prayer when they get into trouble or when the want or need something from God. I have learned over the years that when I stay in prayer for others, our leaders, our nation etc. (intercessory prayer), the LORD always seem to take care of what is important to me in my life and ministry.
BIBLE READING:
Acts 17:11
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
As Luke describes these Believers, notice he says they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures every day, not just once in a while, not just on Sunday, but every day, to verify what Paul and Silas were speaking lined up with the Word of God. It’s so sad today that many Christians never make sure what preachers are saying, actually are from the Word. Remember if it’s not in Word, then it’s not the Gospel! I encourage Believers to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation each and every year. This is not a hard task if you will break it down a make it a daily habit.
BIBLE STUDY:
2 Timothy 2:15
“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.”
Please don’t make the mistake of thinking that Bible reading is the same thing as studying the Bible, they are not the same. I make it a point to study the Bible at least one hour every day. Then when I attend church, I can be fed God’s Word even if I may be the one who is ministering, because the Bible says that Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Remember we don’t study to get man’s approval, but God’s approval!
CHURCH ATTENDANCE:
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.”
Sad to say that way too many Christians think that Church attendance is not important today. I have heard all kinds of excuses for missing and staying out of Church. From worshipping at home to watching Christian television for their Church needs. My dear friend, that’s not going to cut it in these last days. If Church was not important, then the Lord would have never inspired the Apostle Paul to mention it here in his letter to the Hebrews. So make it a point in 2025 to plan other things around your Church attendance.
FAITHFULNESS:
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
As we prepare for 2025, let’s become what Paul tells us, let’s be found faithful to all these things that the Lord has instructed us to do and become.
I want to encourage you to stay in faith this New Year. Stay in the Word of God every day. This is the only thing that will keep the Believer in the days we are living in. 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
