Remember Then, Restore Now

Based on Malachi 1-4, Revelation 22

"For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Malachi 3:6

Before we move on to a brand-new year, and the washing & refreshing which will be to come...the baptisms, tonight's New Years foot-washing ceremony & so much more...we must remember. We must reflect. We must enter it all knowing that amidst every change & improvement we want to make, it's only possible because GOD CHANGES NOT! He is our constant. He has been the same every past year of our lives...and it's up to us to face our changes resting in that hope! HE will carry us through 2022! When we remember that, He will restore us now & ready us for what's to come...

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10

Let's also remember, honestly, the areas this past year when we haven't given our best-and let's strive for better this year (with the help of God's restoration!). There are so many blessings in store-so many things God wants to give-but how about us? We know what we'd like to receive at times...but what are WE willing to give for God?

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name." Malachi 3:16

God remembers. God sees. God prepares things for us as we prepare His way in our lives...let's make 2022 our best memory when it's all said & done!

"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." Revelation 22:5

"Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." Revelation 22:7

The joy that's coming doesn't compare to what we've been through, or what we're going through right now...it may seem like trudging through mud at times-but through the trudge, there WILL BE A TRIUMPH! We just have to keep going. Keep improving. Keep growing in our relationship with God, knowing that when the world keeps changing, He doesn't. When we pray, HE CAN CHANGE OUR WORLD! Let's give Him the glory this coming year. Let's be sure we are repentant, baptized in Jesus' Name in full immersion in water, and let's be sure to receive His Spirit through evidence of speaking in new tongues, living a new life of holiness, one ready for eternity...

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38