E-pistle for December 31, 2014
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E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation Dr. Curt Scarborough, President December 31, 2014
"I know the plans I have for you"
Jeremiah 29:11
Dr. Curt Scarborough
The new year is here! We are beginning the year 2015! What will this year hold?
What's ahead in 2015? God once made this promise to His people:
"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the Lord, "plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
I. God's plan includes PROVISION . . . "to prosper you"
These past months have been lean and skinny ones financially for our ministry.
But as income has decreased, intimacy with the Lord has increased because we have
been driven to our knees in fervent prayer. No doubt, you have had similar experiences
in your own life and work.
Through difficult days, we come to experience more deeply the faithfulness of
God's providential care. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to "seek first the kingdom of God and
all of these things (basic necessities) shall be added unto you." And Philippians 4:19
has proven to be absolutely trustworthy: "My God shall supply all your needs according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Therefore we, enter 2015 confident that God will continue His provision for us and
our ministries.
II. God's plan includes PROTECTION . . ."not to harm you"
Not only does God promise not to do us harm, He also promises to protect us from
Satan and his followers who want to "steal our joy, kill our witness, and destroy our ministry.
Isn't it wonderful how Scriptures which are extremely familiar sometime take on new
vitality and meaning when difficulty arises? Psalm 23, for example, has brought me new
faith to replace fear recently. "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me." Hebrews 13:5,6
also spoke a fresh word: "He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you,' so we
may say boldly: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'"
Therefore we may confidently enter 2015 knowing that God's hand is upon us to do good!
III. God's plan includes PERSPECTIVE . . . "to give you hope"
Paul talks about being "hard-pressed . . . perplexed . . . persecuted . . . struck down,"
(II Corinthians 4:8,9). Such emotional, mental, spiritual and physical attacks tend to throw us
into doubt, depression, and despondency. BUT GOD . . . doesn't that phrase thrill your
heart? . . . But God gives His children a different outlook . . . and a new perspective.
His work affirms that "His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," I Peter 1:3. Paul in Romans 8:24, 25
writes, "For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope . . . but if we hope
for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."
Therefore, we enter 2015 with renewed hope; not just seeing clearly, but persevering
because we know god wants us to see and to know His plan for us. (See James 1:5) I'm
praying that God's enlightenment may give all of us an ever brightening hope.
IV. God's plan includes PURPOSE . . . "to give you . . . a future"
Recently I heard someone say, "A man of God is invincible until God is finished
accomplishing His purpose through him." I believe that is true of God-called people and of
God-ordained ministries. Our future is as bright as the purposes of God.
Psalm 138:8 proclaims: "The Lord will perfect (fulfill) that which concerns me." And
Philippians 1:6 also witnesses that God's plan includes a set purpose which shall be
accomplished: He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus
Christ."
Therefore, we enter 2015 as people of destiny, with an assurance based not on knowing
what the future holds, but on knowing Who holds our future. Come, let's walk with faith into
the exciting unknown new year!
NOW A FINAL AND PERSONAL WORD: God has a plan for YOUR life! A plan that includes
His provision and His protection . . . a plan through which He brings you a new perspective and a
renewed purpose. Find that plan . . . follow it . . . and true fulfillment will be your in 2015 and all
the years that follow!
The staff at FreeWay Foundation
&
Pillsbury College & Seminary
Pray for you a happy and prosperous
NEW YEAR!
God Bless!!
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