Victorious New Horizons ...Renewed for and New Year

This was originally posted on January 1, 2016, but the message is so wonderful for this New Year of 2018 I wanted to share it again.  I can't believe that almost a week has already gone by since New Year's Day...already the year is flying by too quickly!  My goal is to make every day truly count for God's Glory in some way.  It's so easy to get caught up in the mundane that we forget to relish and treasure the divine beauty and activity that is swirling all around us every moment. I pray that God will open my eyes to see His glory even in the most ordinary places.  How about you? Let's endeavor to do that in this New Year...and before we know it, we'll be rejoicing in His extraordinary brightness and beauty rather than dwelling in the ordinary dullness of our minds...

Original Post 1/1/16:

"The Lord is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation;

He is my God, and I will praise Him;

My father's God, and I will exalt Him."

Exodus 15:2

The above verse is entitled "The Song of the Redeemed" in my Bible...and indeed it is part of a larger "song" which Moses and the children of Israel sang to the Lord after they had escaped Pharaoh and his army through the Red Sea.  It is a song of victory and triumph over their enemies...

"I will sing to the Lord,

For He has triumphed gloriously!

The horse and its rider

He has thrown into the sea!"

(Exodus 15:1)

We have just closed the door on the year 2015   2017..and opened the bright and beautiful window into the year of 2016.  2018 ! Perhaps there are some of us who may feel much like the Israelites in that we have escaped our captors, whether they be unhappy memories from the past, or a tedious taskmaster of a job that kept us from enjoying the freedom of time with loved ones and friends.  Or perhaps some have suffered serious illnesses or debilitating handicaps and the new year brings hope and promise of healing and wholeness.  

There are many who are lonely and have lost loved ones or have been separated from friends or family for various reasons...and now you may be seeing the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel that God is restoring relationships and/or bringing hope for new friends or possibly even someone to love...

Often we stand on the threshold of a new year and ponder just what might be awaiting on the horizon. We tend to be a bit tentative as we take baby steps into the future, fearing that the joy we have bubbling up inside of us is a false hope, and that some disappointment will jump in to keep us from reaching our desired dreams.  I am sure that the children of Israel had many such fears as they approached the raging Red Sea with the chariots of their enemies hot on their heels. But go back and read what Moses said to the people in Exodus 14:13-14 ~ 

"Do not be afraid.  

Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, 

which He WILL accomplish for you today.  

For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."

Notice especially what he said, "DO NOT BE AFRAID.  STAND STILL, AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD."  I take this to mean that as I approach this new horizon of uncertainty, I need to put my trust in the One Who loves me so much that He died for me...Jesus Christ our Lord...and be assured that He, the LORD, will fight for me...and I will not have to do anything except walk in faith as He guides me each step of the way....

"Who is like YOU, O Lord, among the gods?

Who is like You, glorious in holiness,

Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

You stretched out Your right hand;

The earth swallowed them.

You in Your mercy have led forth 

the people whom You have redeemed;

You have guided them in Your strength

to Your holy habitation."

Exodus 15:11-13

Yes, today is the dawning of a glorious new year...and by faith we will reach those new horizons much like the children of Israel of Moses' day with victory and great joy!

"I will sing to the Lord,

for He has triumphed gloriously!

The horse and rider 

He has thrown into the sea!"

(Exodus 15:1)

Amen!!!