Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2 ESV
“Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.”(Amazing Grace; J. Newton. Verse 3)
That good old, amazing grace is the beautiful thread that holds the tapestry of our lives together. His grace gives us peace with God, help through every trial we face today, and the hope of living in glory tomorrow. I’ve learned that to fully enjoy the grace that’s available to me, it’s important to do regular faith maintenance.
On the final Sunday of 2024, I want to take a minute to remember grace, receive grace, and extend grace. There are some things I want to recall and rejoice over. God has been good to me and I want gratitude to dominate my attitude. There are other things I don’t want to carry with me into the new year. They need to be left behind. Finally, there are a few things I want to see happen in the new year, but I know I will have to make some adjustments for that to happen. Join me?
End of year inventory ideas:
- What has God done for me this year? Where has He protected me? How has He blessed me in unforeseen ways? You get the idea: make a gratitude list for 2024. If you’re still breathing, you have grounds for gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Where have I failed? Am I still beating myself up over falls and flops and faux pas? If so, it’s time to exercise 1 John 1:9, then forgive myself. If I owe someone, it’s time for restitution and restoration.
- Are there slights and offences that I’m holding on to? It’s time to forgive and forget and move on. The best way to screw up 2025 is to carry my 2024 baggage and bitterness forward. Mark 11:25
- What do I hope to achieve in 2025? Are there things I need to change in my own actions or attitudes? Are there goals I want to achieve in my family, my vocation, or my community? What are the hopes that draw me into the future? What are some things I can do to make these things possible? Psalm 42:5,11 / Philippians 3:13-14
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.”
Happy New Year!
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