What Will We Stand For?

Have you ever fought for a cause that you believe in? Part of the fight is standing firm for truth with love against opposition. Everyone faces opposition at times, whether it be the minimal opposition of unexpected consequences or the significant opposition against firmly held values and beliefs.

I Timothy 6:12 says, “Fight the good fight of the faith.” By faith stand firm against evil. By the Holy Spirit focus concentration, personal discipline, and extreme effort on the truth and victory that is yours in Christ Jesus.

Unwrapped

For many, Christmas 2025 is just a memory by now. The tree has been taken down, the decorations have been put away, and the unwrapped presents are in use. These presents have made us glad, and hopefully, will do so for a long time. It is good to remember what others have done for you and to be grateful.

Psalm 103:2 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” After this encouragement, the psalmist lists some of these benefits: forgiveness, healing, redemption, steadfast love, mercy, satisfaction with good things, and renewal. These are just some of the benefits that God bestows upon His children. Let us remember them always and offer God the praise that is due to Him.

Rejoice and Be Glad

I expect that the celebrations of the new year will continue far into the night. I hope to be sleeping, as I am not one to revel in a new year. The celebrations will be boisterous and loud, no doubt, as people welcome in the new and say goodbye to the old.

Isaiah 65:17-18 says, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create.” A new year begins tomorrow and we look forward to new adventures. But a greater beginning awaits us. As those who have been made new creations in Christ, we look forward to God’s creation of a new earth and new heaven, where suffering disappears forever. Our celebration will not last for a day, but rather we will be glad and rejoice forever.

Believed on in the World

We choose to believe on many things during our lifetimes. Some of them are life changing and others fade away over time and experience. We often seek to believe in a higher truth that elevates us to life altering ways of living. That truth is the gospel of Jesus Christ, who offers salvation, redemption, and eternal life to those who believe.

I Timothy 3:16 says, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” This is the gospel message of salvation in Jesus Christ. We believe these truths and proclaim this life giving message to the world.

Changing Our Minds

How many times during a single day, would you estimate that you change your mind about some specific plan? I don’t know about you, but some days, I feel like I am constantly changing my mind and bringing chaos into my life. We can’t foresee all the things that will impact our plans so we find the need to change them along with these impacts.

Job 23:13-14 says, “But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.” When God formed you, He had many plans and purposes in mind for you. He will not change these purposes, and He will complete them.