A New Year 2025, A New President, A New You!
By Rev. Ralph T. Newell
I listen to the whirlwind of the alleged upsurge of negative changes to come under the leadership of the new 47thPresident Donald J. Trump. I could say “so what.” But as a Christian I must maintain faith in God and his word and you must remain steadfast too. There are still fear tactics surrounding President Trump’s election and his taking office. I want to share a few things with us so God will be ever present and in the forefront of all you think and do.
Let me remind us of two powerful Scriptures from the Old and New Testaments as I begin this article. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV): “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” ‘declares the Lord.’ “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” And Jesus tells the disciples and us not to get anxious about, clothes, food, and other provisions: Matthews 6:33 (NIV) “But seek first his (God’s) kingdom and his (God’s) righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” According to these Scriptures, God holds the future of all that will take place in his hands.
I realize that there are many who are still disappointed in the election results but God has permitted what he has permitted and he has a plan for the future. We are to seek his kingdom and relationship and remember that he, God, is ultimately in charge. What about that “new you?”
I expect a greater change in Christians to usher in new perseverance because God is making us over again. He is going to mold believers into a mighty army of righteousness for justice. However, it may or will be costly but God has promised that: “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord” Isaiah 54:17 (NIV). Christian believers we are to walk by faith and not by sight. God wants to change you for the better not for the bitter or evil things that the enemy may try to use you for. This is the time when God will and can use every Christian to proclaim that He is still an “on time God yes he is.”
There is Biblical evidence that the plans of the wicked or intent of an evil one will not work when God decides that it is not in His will. Consider how God confused the evil plans of Balak King of Moab who was determined to destroy the Israelites, God’s chosen people. He sent for Balaam to come and place a curse on Israel. Balaam was a diviner or prophet for hire, a soothsayer not of God.
Read Numbers, chapters 22–24. The story: Balak, the king of Moab, paid Balaam to curse the Israelites. God spoke to Balaam, but Balaam did not listen. An angel of the Lord blocked Balaam’s donkey’s path. Balaam beat the donkey, but God made the donkey speak. The donkey told Balaam that he was blind to the truth and danger. Balaam realized what had happened and blessed the Israelites instead of cursing them. The story shows that God protects people from threats they do not know about. The story also shows that sin prevents spiritual progress and causes people to lose God’s protection. Balaam’s story can be used as an analogy for false teachers or leaders who lead people to destruction for their own gain.
Balaam blessed Israel in four different ways but three prophecies were against areas that God did not approve of. What is the point here? God can and will turn things around and bring about justice to those who are his faithful followers. God will punish those who are evil and try to set traps and devices to cause the downfall of the righteous.
A new you mean that you (and me) are willing to hear God speak directly and specifically to what he wants done. Then out of obedience we do it even though it appears too costly. God will keep us during the trials and tribulations and give us a testimony like or similar to: 2nd Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV) “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
In conclusion today, I do not know why the 47th President is Donald J. Trump, but God knows and that is good enough for me. God also know how he plans to use this administration to fulfill his ultimate purpose for humanity. As I read through the Bible and attempt to understand why some things happen and some things that I think should have happened another way, God reminds me, that he is “God.” Amen!
From The Preacher’s Pen – A New Year 2025, A New President, A New You! I Pray that the Power, Presence, Peace, Protection, Provision, Prosperity, and Promises of God remain with each of you! God Bless you today and forever!
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