As we come to the close of another year, I would like to wish you all a very blessed new year! I also wanted to take a moment to reflect, and thank God for His faithfulness in 2011.
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin. “(Romans 4:7-8): First of all, I’m thankful that God has not treated this gospel-abusing woman as she deserves. The Gospel is for sinners. Therefore, we must preach it to ourselves every day. On that note, I’m thankful that each time I rebel — wittingly or unwittingly, outwardly or inwardly, against the gospel of truth that has been entrusted to me, I can run to the mercy-seat. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
“The Lord sends poverty and wealth, He humbles and exalts.” 1 Samuel 2:7: I am thankful for every temporal blessing that God, in His Sovereignty, has bestowed. Gainful employment, a place to live, clothes to wear, food to eat, monies to share with those in need, monies for books, monies for recreation. The list goes on. But, we all know how quickly the wheels of providence can turn. One day the land can be overflowing with milk and honey while the next day there is barely a drop in the oil flask. Let us never forget that, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). He is under no obligation to do anything save that which is of His own good pleasure.
“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13: I am thankful for the body of Christ. The times in which we live are evil. Each day that I step outside my door and glance around, I am reminded that this world, and everything in it is at odds with the Lord I serve. Were it not for the encouragement of the saints, both near and far, to continually hope in “the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalms 27:13), I would have surely despaired.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1: One of the means whereby the grace of God flows is the fellowship of the saints — both living and dead. I’m thankful for the members of the universal church who continually strengthen my soul in the faith. I thank God for the heritage of the Apostles, the church fathers, the Reformers, the Puritans, and many other saints who have left the body a legacy of faith. Because they endured, so will I.
“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20: I am thankful that my name is written in the Lambs of Book of Life. I am hoping for many things in 2012 but no matter the outcome, my name is written in heaven and it cannot be erased. I’m thankful that the “eternal covenant” (Hebrews 13:20) in which the Triune God covenanted to save a people, included my name.
I could go on and on. I’m sure you could too. While none of us can know what the new year will bring, one thing is sure: the God who called us into fellowship with His Son is faithful. He will keep His covenant of love. He will work all things for our good. He will not cease to intercede for us. He will continue to sanctify our souls. He will deliver us from every temptation. He will strengthen us when we are weak. He will protect us from the evil one. When we are faithless, He will remain faithful. Therefore, as we enter this new year, may we do what the author of Hebrews instructs: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
Thank you so much for reading Heavenly Springs this year. I know how valuable time is and that there are many other worthwhile things you could be doing.
Wishing you, my beloved family and friends, a very blessed and happy new year in Christ Jesus!
All my love,
Christina
Same to you friend, for the coming year. And thanks for the wonderful posts and the organizing of the series of “Women of the Reformation” that you so graciously hosted here.
None of which could have been possible without you, my dear. Thankful for your friendship and the strength and joy that comes with it. Much love!
God bless you and Steve in the coming year. I’m so glad that whatever it holds, it comes to us from a sovereign and loving Father.
Thank you Persis! I’m sorry that we were not able to spend time together over Thanksgiving but Lord willing, we will in the upcoming new year. All my love to you and Lydia! Thankful for our friendship!
Wishing you a Blessed and Happy New Year!!
God Bless,
Elba
Same to you my dear Elba! Thank you for all of the recipes that I now have because of you. Now that’s what I call a blessed kitchen! Happy new year dear sister!
So wonderful, Christina! I’ll be sharing your thoughts with my family. What a God-centered perspective on everything and simply SO encouraging. Happy New Year, my friend! I love you!
I love you too Trisha. I hope you know that your perseverance in the Lord is a great encouragement to my soul! Thank you for always, in all things, pointing upwards to the prize that is our in Christ! All my love!
What a lovely summation of all things true and noble and right and good! You’re a star that shines in the dark, Christina, one of God’s own fireworks on display! Thank you for not hiding your light under a bushel, but shining for all to see, like a city set on a hill.
And a big thanks for the laughs, the Brooklynese banter, and the infamous “Langella cake!”
Happy New Year to you and your dear husband, Steve.
<3
-E
Thank you my dear Elizabeth! I hope you know what a blessing your friendship is to me. You have such a wonderful way of discerning hearts and souls from the distance. I always feel that it’s never necessary for me to say much in order for you to understand. Thank you for being such a woman of grace and wisdom. I love you and thank God for our friendship!
And Happy New Year to you Christina! May the Lord richly bless you and Steven and your furry friends in this coming year! May He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace! Thank you so much for your encouraging ministry! Your brother in Christ, Shaan
Thank you my dear brother Shaan for such a beautiful blessing. And a BIG thank you for all of the material you have sent my way to help me understand and teach the doctrines of grace. Your encouragement in the things of God has gone a long way! Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family!
Happy New Year to you and your husband and your sweet puppies! 🙂 I’m rejoicing with you over all the goodness and grace our heavenly Father continually bestows on each of us. Love you!
Thank you sweet Hollie! Wishing you and Josh, the girls, and the little soul that is being formed, even now, in your tummy a beautiful and blessed New Year! I’m so thankful for your commitment and diligence to studying the Word of God. You are such a an inspiration to me!
Beautiful reflections Christina. You two have a very wonderful weekend!
Much love to you!
You too Diane! All my love to the Bucknell clan!
Thank you for writing this post, Christina! Pretty much everything you’ve written here coincides with what I’ve been thinking as I review 2011. I apologize for not keeping up with your blog as often as I should. I pray that you and your household have a wonderful and blessed 2012!
Happy New Year dear brother! Thank you for letting me know that you’ve been mulling over same ideas! That, in and of itself, is an encouragement. As for feeling like you don’t visit enough — I’m blessed each time you do, and I certainly know that you have a great deal on your plate these days! 🙂 So, you needn’t apologize for a second! Wishing you and the growing Dermer clan a beautiful & blessed New Year! Thankful to have friends like you guys!
This is absolutely wonderful dear sister, thank you for sharing. May the Lord’s blessings be upon you, and all His people this new year. May we strive to go deeper into the things of God, desiring Him with a passion and giving Him our all…He is worthy.
Bless you,
lyn
Thanks you so much Lyn! And a big hearty amen to your prayer! Happy New Year!