This verse is the last red letter promise of the year. While I wasn’t very faithful with my blog in 2017 I’m going to try again in 2018. I’ll be reading the Bible cover to cover for the 9th time. I hope you will join me in my journey and with God’s help Vine and Branch will be more consistent.

Revelation 22:12-13

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Bible Gateway link: Revelation 22:12-13

That little baby in Bethlehem was sent to reinforce the message from God in the verses below. As always the battle is between the goodness in our hearts and our stubornness. I promise if you open your ears to the Word of God the answer is there.

Zechariah 7:9-11

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,

do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”

But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear.

Bible Gateway link: Zechariah 7:9-11 (ESV)

My Angels come to me in human form, blessing and changing my life with a comment or gesture. It fills me with radiant gratitude and always makes me worship Him who made heaven and earth and Angels.

Revelation 14:6-7

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.

And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Bible Gateway link: Revelation 14:6-7 (ESV)

When I feel the weight of the world and I’m so overwhelmed I feel there is nothing I can do, OR I must to do something, anything. That’s when I open the Holy Bible and run across a verse such as this.

Psalm 138:7-8

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm138:7-8&version=ESV

Can it really be so simple? What a great New Year resolution.

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 (ESV)

Think of all the chance encounters that lead to your existence. Generation after generation, so many things worked out perfectly for you to be here right now. God had a plan for Jesus, "Son of David." Is there any doubt you too are here for a reason?

DNA

Psalm 132:11-12

The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.

If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.”

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 132: 11-12 (ESV)

I just hold on, sometimes with a desperate grip. But I believe the promise. I also believe the flood of worldly concerns will drown me if I don’t obey this red letter command: “Hold fast” to Christ.

Revelation 2:25-26

Only hold fast to what you have until I come.

The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,

Bible Gateway link: Revelation 2:25-26 (ESV)

I remember the moment when my new life started. My fire for Christ was a piddling little spark, but gratefully the fire has grown and grown. What a good time of year to rekindle that first love of Christ. Be on fire!

Revelation 2:4-5

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Bible Gateway link: Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV)

Ripped from the headlines! I love it when my daily Bible reading coincides with the news of the day! Jerusalem, Oh Jerusalem.

Joel 3:17

“So you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it.

Bible Gateway link: Joel 3:17 (ESV)