If you’re a Christian –yet your life appears empty and you’re living on the edge of defeat – God has a word for you. The secret of translating beliefs into behavior lies in the full realization of Christ’s resurrection and imminent return and impact that has on our daily life. An old preacher by the name of Herbert Lockyer wrote a book called “The Keeping POWER of God.” He made a powerful statement that still resonates with me “Self-pleasure, self- inclination, self-ease, self will, self-interest, wither up before Calvary,” Wow – what a statement .

God has given to believers three powerful weapons to triumph over this life and anything that would hinder you in following hard after God – the Blood, the Word, and Love. The same mercy that savesus is that which keeps us, and through this mercy you can live a life that honors God.

As we begin a new year together – we have great anticipation for what God will continue to do in our midst. As we honor Him – lift Him up – trust and follow Him – His “Keeping Power” will strengthen us for each new day. Listen, faithfulness to God produces eternal rewards. The story is told of a farmer who loved the Lord and believed in stewardship. He was very generous. His friends asked him how he could give so much and yet remain prosperous. “Why, you seem to give more than the rest of us and yet you always seem to have greater prosperity.” “Oh,” said the farmer, “that’s very easy to explain. You see, I keep shoveling into God’s bin and God keeps shoveling into mine, and God has a bigger shovel.”

Remember that as we move into the New Year. God has a bigger shovel.