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January
2012
Dear
Friends in Christ:
Happy New Year
to all of you. It’s always an exciting time to look
ahead to a new year with plans and goals for increase
and success. I pray that 2012 will bring you many
blessings.
This is a good
time to give special attention to looking ahead with
expectation to the great things the Lord has in store
for us. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have
entered into the heart of man the things which God has
prepared for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
One of the best
thing we can learn to do this year is to keep looking
ahead. Here is something that the Holy Spirit recently
brought to my attention. In Psalm 16:8 David tell us, "I
have set the Lord always before me." What we choose to
set before us on a continual basis determines where we
are headed and if we will get there or not.
This reminds me
of a time when I got caught in a blizzard while driving
home from a preaching engagement. There was very little
visibility and it was a dangerous situation. Thankfully,
I had a vehicle in front of me and as long as I could
see those tail lights it helped me stay on course all
the way home.
In Hebrews 12:2
we read that Jesus was able to endure the cross and
reach the throne of heaven where He belongs because of
the joy that was set before Him. Who set the joy before
Him? I believe it was something that only Jesus could do
for Himself and the same is true for us. It wasn't easy
but setting the Lord and His promises before His face
was something that even Jesus needed to do. And it a
good lesson for us as well.
Acts 2:25-27
says, For David says concerning Him: I foresaw the Lord
always before my face. For He is at my right hand, that
I may not be shaken. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my
tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also will rest in
hope. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will
You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
The year 2011
may have been difficult and disappointing for some but
don't look back. In 2012 continue looking unto Jesus and
set the Lord always before you. This a matter of vision.
By vision I mean what you see and believe about your
future. It will carry you as far as you need.
We are excited
about starting a new broadcast on the Spirit Network
Radio. Check it out if you can on Sundays at 4pm on
www.spiritnetworkradio.com. Please pray that this
will bear much fruit for the kingdom of God. Thank you.
For His
Name,
John
Merola
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