12/31/2021
This is the final day of the year, and what better way to close it out than with a doxology, a concluding prayer extolling the virtues and power of God, and lifting up the glory He has placed in Jesus Christ who abides in us, and the Church of which we are members by our faith. Praise Him now!
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Our year might have been filled with challenges, or even disasters, but through it all, our God has walked with us, and provided for us in ways we couldn’t imagine. He has given us immeasurable strength and comfort in Christ as we cleared every hurdle, mourned our dead, and suffered each hardship. He provided us with wisdom and understanding through His Holy Spirit, and He has loved us Himself from the unimaginable depths of His being. Let’s thank, praise, and glorify Him for all that was this year… what was… what is… and what is to come today. Then, let’s thank Him in prayer, song, and dancing, for the hope he has given us in the future as we walk with Him this evening into the coming year. Praise Him now!
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
For others of us, this year has been filled with great happiness and joy, and God, our Father, has walked in it with us as it lit up the landscapes of our lives. For some His peace and joy might have come in staccato flashes of light as He gave us hope in the dark places we were traversing, but however our joy has come, it was sufficient for the moment, or the months, and made Him worthy of our love and praise. Wherever we found ourselves during this year, whether we walked in a world where light flooded out every vestige of darkness, or in one in which the searing brightness of a pinpoint of light gave us momentary comfort, our knowing He was there, has been enough. Praise Him now!
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
However this past year has unfolded for us, whether we were flooded by brightness, or witnessed a single pinpoint of light in the dark, God has been with us, and His Son Jesus Christ, who is Emanuel, “God with us”, has abided in us. Jesus has never failed to make intercession for us, and God’s love for us has never faded. The wonderful promises of Our Lord have remained true, even in the darkest valleys we have travelled. Our faith in God through Jesus has been increasingly strengthened in the midst of our tribulation, and the light has guided us down the straight and narrow path of righteousness. Praise Him now!
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Now we look forward towards the year to come, and we have hope! We see the light, we hear the promises, and we feel the presence of the Almighty. Our faith is strengthened, and we are encouraged by the Holy Spirit, who will help us as we worship our Father, and pray in this coming New Year in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise Him now, and forevermore!
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for this past year, and every blessing we have received during the course of it! Thank you for the unending intercession of your Son Jesus, and the wisdom, understanding, and encouragement, of your Holy Spirit! We are approaching the beginning of a new year Father, and we pray that you will continue to walk with us, our families, all those we love, and even the strangers and enemies who surround us. Help us to love you more in the coming year, praise you more, thank you for all you do, who you are, and to pray to you without ceasing. Let us bear witnesses to your light that overcomes all darkness, and worship you in spirit and truth. Let us never cease to say Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty who was and is, and is to come! Praised be your name Father, for truth and all good things come from you, and your grace is sufficient for us as we walk our pilgrimage through this earth… hand in hand with Jesus, and surrounded by your Holy Spirit as we travel towards eternity in your presence… this year, the next, and the next, being not even a shadow, a glimpse, or a twinkle of your light that is to come. Deem us worthy through Jesus to be in your presence now, and forevermore.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
Revelation 22:20-21 ESV
Rich Forbes