Isaiah 9:6 English Standard Version

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace.

As our calendar year comes to a close, it’s extremely important to keep the main thing, the main thing.

This year has been somewhat trying, certainly an improvement for most people on the 2020/2021 devastation of COVID and shockingly incompetent government policy–but still challenging in many other ways. It is very important to maintain an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 8:2-...praise stills the enemy and the avenger...1 Thessalonians 5:16-18...Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Irrespective of what the circumstances are–give thanks to the Lord. Not for the circumstances BUT for who He is and what He has done for us. Let’s pray together:

Thank you, Lord God for providing me with a Saviour – a means of escaping the penalty of sin and death, a method and away to repent of mistakes, disobedience and sin;a way for me to then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need; the second chance of being renewed in the spirit of our mind so I can be transformed into the person you first created me to be. Transformed from a sinful situation into accepted in the beloved, to look out not only for my own interests but also the interests of others, being kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven me.

Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness and consistency, being the same,yesterday today and forever–someone I can trust and rely on implicitly,my healer, provider,corrector, and instructor in righteousness. Holy Spirit thank you for leading me, guiding me into the truth of the Word, revealing to me the motives and agendas of others, caring for me, encouraging me and comforting me.

Lord, please help me to set aside quality time in the next few weeks for honest reflection and planning. Planning in January is better than repenting in December. Lord,please show me the main areas to change to enable me to further develop strong Christ-likeness. Lord, help me to strengthen my heart attitude of gratitude so I do live permanently grateful for all that you have done for me Lord–the seen and all that which is unseen my me, that you do for me every day.

Help me Lord to better care for the widow, the orphan and the poor as I make the well being of others, along with my own growth in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control a strong priority now and in the future.

Above all Lord, help me fulfill my desire to honour and serve you to the very best of my ability; to care for others and to accomplish that which you have called me to accomplish.

Thank you for 2022, for the victories, for the learning, for the opportunities and for all that you have done for me. I am deeply grateful Lord Jesus,Amen. From our family to yours – may the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ reign in your hearts and minds this Christmas and always.