Happy 2022!

The world is a noisy place, clamoring for our attention. We may listen to the agenda-driven media (both sides). We may listen to the politicians, the noise of social media, conspiracy theories, etc. And though we may generously give them our ear, our attention, and our time, they only reward us with feelings of fear, frustration, anger, hatred, and stress.

“Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you.” – Mark 4:24

As our Father’s children, let’s deliberately choose to listen to the One who has no crooked agendas, to the One who never lies, to the One who truly knows everything. What we hear (or pay attention to), is most likely what will come out of our mouths. It will be shown in our actions. It will surely be felt and enjoyed in our hearts. This year is a good time for the people of God’s kingdom to experience, and then express, the joyous grace that our Father has for us all.

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” – Colossians 4:6

Robert Girdlestone was a 19th century scholar, bible translator, and principal at Oxford. His writings on grace include one of the clearest definitions of the word “grace” as used in The Bible:

“Grace is the unmerited operation of God in the heart of man, effected through the agency of the Holy Spirit… It is in reality the communication of Divine goodness by the inworking of Him who is ‘full of grace and truth’… It shows itself in our dealings with those by whom we are surrounded.”

We don’t know what challenges we may face in 2022, but we can enjoy Heaven in our hearts if we just listen to our beautiful Christ-heart. It’s the way of life and peace. What we hear is what we will feel inside. What we feel inside is what we will express outwardly. What we express will be the reason for the world to love Jesus.

“Blessed are those who know the joyful sound, who walk, O LORD, in the light of Your presence.” – Psalm 89:15