Snowy, Northbrook, IL,
Photo shared with permission of http://www.frankhubeny.blog

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As we step into 2023, the now present, new year,

with the Lord as our Shepherd, we’ll have nothing to fear.

In fact, we remember, Jesus told us to be of good cheer…

He has overcome the world, and it’s His voice, we’ll hear.

“My sheep hear my voice.”  Jesus, You will lead the way.

“I am with you always.”  We’re listening for what You’ll say.

Lead us on pathways, Lord, to show acts of Your love and grace…

after we’ve made time spent with You priority, seeking Your face.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow us each and every day…

You’ve assured our petitions are heard and answered when we pray.

Help us not to be anxious, but, instead, to sense Your peace.

Your mercies never come to an end–Your love will never cease!

P. A. Oltrogge

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulnrss.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV

“…and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’  Psalm 27:8

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 KJV

“Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NASB

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.'” Mark 11:22-24 (and the following two verses on the importance of forgiving)

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:1, 6

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted