An Incandescently Bright Future

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him “Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23 (NIV) 

Tis the season to search high and low for the perfect gift to warm the heart of another. After finding that gift, have you ever wondered just how many steps it took you? Probably not, even though we have a plethora of devices nowadays that readily calculate our steps for us. At the end of our gift quest it’s not the steps it took that consumes our focus, it’s the joy of the find, the reward for having not given up in the journey, no matter how many steps it took! This brings to mind a verse in Job. 

For now thou numberest my steps… Job 14:16 (KJV) WOW! The same God who keeps track of all our tears (Psalm 56:8) and knows the number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7) ALSO counts our every step!! An electronic device only counts your steps if it is with you, so the very fact that God tells you He numbers your steps reminds you, in each step, every day, He is WITH you (Josh. 1:9)! Yesterday, today, and forever into the future – WITH you (Heb. 13:8)!

Our future in Jesus is incandescently bright because He lives! Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses (just to name a few from the Bible) spoke blessing over future generations in spite of all their current struggles and imperfections. Their sure hope was not based on faulty humanity but rather in God’s faithfulness to His flawless Word. 

The word incandescent is defined in the dictionary: “Emitting light as a result of being heated.” God declares His Word to be like fire (Jer. 23:29) so within each gifted step this new year, remember and remain wrapped in the warmth of His faithful Word, His precious promises (2 Pt. 1:4) that tell you just Who it is that cares enough to number your steps! His name is Immanuel – God with you (Matt. 1:23). He is at work in you and around you even at this very moment (Jn. 5:17)! Resting in His presence you will radiate incandescently with sure hope (Rom. 5:5)! 

Dear one, keep on in your quest toward the gift of your Heavenly home. Joy and strength are found experiencing God with you on the journey (Neh. 8:10). He …says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

Jesus is our greatest gift that we get to keep even as we give Him away; He’s the gift that can warm every heart. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. … for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) For God so loved the world (YOU) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV) 

YOU are loved; forever and always no matter what. 

God bless you muchly dear one and best wishes as you step into this gift of a new year filled with an incandescently bright hope for your future, because of Jesus!