Isaiah 55:8-9 EHV Certainly my plans are not your plans, and your ways are not my ways, declares the Lord.Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my plans are higher than your plans.
If your plans for 2024 didn’t turn out the way you’d hoped or imagined, you’re not alone. If your plans for 2025 are unknown or unwanted, you’re not alone. Truth is, no matter what happens, you’re not alone. None of us are ever alone because of our Jesus, our Emmanuel, “our God with us.”
Jesus was with us yesterday.
Jesus is here with us today.
Jesus is already there for us tomorrow.
And His plans for us are always for good, just like His ways for us (see Romans 8:28).
Our Jesus came to earth in a way no one hoped for or imagined. He was a baby born in an out-of-the-way stable. He was visited by shepherds unwanted by society and worshipped by wise men unknown yet today.
Our Jesus never left or turned away from His Father’s plans of suffering and salvation for our own unattainable and unimagined redemption. He chose the way of the manger, cross, tomb, and empty grave for each of us, for all of us. Jesus is the Truth, the Life, and the Way, the only way, for us to be reconciled with our Good God (see John 14:6).
Our Jesus reigns today in all power, authority, honor, and glory enthroned in the heavens far above the earth. He remembers today all our needs and longings as He prays for us in ways that are always best (see Romans 8:34). He didn’t stop with the gift of salvation. He’s now preparing a home for us with Him that’s far higher than we can ask or imagine in today, tomorrow, or forever (see Ephesians 3:20-21).
A very Happy New Year to each and every one of you! May we all grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ in all parts of our lives for all the days yet to come until the return of our Jesus (see 2 Peter 3:18). And may we always join with John in saying, “come quickly, Lord Jesus, come!” (see Revelation 22:20).
written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2024.
A few more thoughts:
- Thank you, each and every one, for your prayers, encouragement, and tangible helps in this unexpected wilderness of cancer. You just can’t know how precious your emails, calls, texts, cards, tangible helps, and prayers are to us. Every one is a reminder of our Good Shepherd God and His tender care so that we lack nothing (see Psalm 23:1). We are grateful for each of you!
- If you’re looking for a new Bible study or devotional book for a good start to 2025, I hope you’d consider one (or more) of the books available at Northeastern Baptist Press. Here’s the link to order their books, including the three books I’ve published with them:
https://www.nebpvermont.com/copy-of-books
3. If you’re not already signed up to follow this blog with your email, I’d be honored if you would use the link below to do that right now – thanks!
Soul Scientist 
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