John 5:15, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Let me start by saying Happy New Year to my OTP friends and family.

This walk with God is a personal one. Each of us need to seek God for direction is all things. Proverbs 3:5-6, says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.” We need to seek God’s face to successfully navigate through this life. We cannot ONLY rely on our pastor, minister, Bible study leader, etc. for so much. At some point we must take on the responsibility to add to, or strengthen (and sometimes even to correct) what we are taught.

I thank God for these spiritual leaders. However, having them does not lessen the responsibility of the believer to do his or her own part. That is to study the word of God for ourselves, and govern our lives accordingly. See 2 Timothy 2:15.

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I love the fact that Jesus plainly and clearly says “for without me you can do nothing!”

My goal is to walk in purpose for 2024! And I need the Lord to accomplish this!

As I was seeking the Lord for my 2024 (remember, it is a personal thing), I found myself telling God I want to be found doing All that he has called me to. It is my year of purpose. Not lack. Not finding what he has for me to do. Not trying to figure out who I am in him. But my year of actually “doing” the will of God for my life.

For the people of God, I feel a general air of “no more excuses” for 2024. God expects more of his people.

God is coming back soon. And he’s coming for a people who have made themselves ready. A people who are looking for his glorious appearing. A part of being ready is to be found walking in our purpose.

Romans 8:19 lets us know that people are waiting for us to take our place. Yes, your ministry, your calling is needed. People are waiting for us to get in our place and work.

It is time to put your faith to work. Step out on nothing, in faith, and watch God make a way. James 2:17, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” You cannot sit on the sidelines and wait for the manifestation of the things you feel you need before you can do what God has called you to. You must walk by faith. If you do, you will find yourself walking right into the blessings of God!

As noted above in Proverbs, we need to:

1. Trust God,

2. Lean not to your own understanding.

3. In everything we do we must acknowledge God (acknowledge is to accept or admit the existence of truth). God is truth. His way is right, always.

4. We must let God direct our path. We must go his way, and not our own.

God is faithful and his word is true. If we will do our part, he will do his part.

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My prayer for you is that you seek the Lord and walk in the purpose that God has called you to. Work while it is day, for night is coming and no man will be able to work.

I pray that you make 2024 your year of purpose too!

May the blessings of God find and over take you.