From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD DECEMBER 29, 2022
Hello to all the Dear Saints, wherever you might be today,
As we come to the end of 2022 and look forward to 2023, it is a good time to truly and sincerely reflect on this year. It may be time to analyze how we have lived in the Kingdom of God this year. Where some may be thinking “resolution,” perhaps we should all be thinking, “Revolution.” With obvious signs of the times and in the world, those who truly desire the Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven, need to revolt against our half-hearted efforts on behalf of Zion. God spoke through Israel A. Smith in 1947, in DC 140:5c and told us that Zionic conditions were as close as our spiritual condition.
So, we, each one, must be willing to be honest with ourselves and determine what we are going to change in 2023. The following are some words from a prayer diary. “O God, how can I fold these guilty hands before Thee? How can I pray to Thee with lips that have spoken false and ungracious words? A heart hardened with vindictive passions; an unruly tongue; a fretful disposition; an unwillingness to bear the burdens of others; an undue willingness to let others bear my burdens; high professions joined with low attainments; fine words with shabby thoughts; a friendly face masking a cold heart; many neglected opportunities and many uncultivated talents; much love and beauty unappreciated and many blessings unacknowledged; All these I confess to Thee O God.
Dear Father, let us not dwell so much upon ourselves, our hopes and fears, or even our own sins in Thy sight, but of others who need Thy help and of the work we can do for their sakes in the Kingdom of God. Amen.
This is very important as we have opportunities to share in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper this Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Consider these words as we enter the new year:
What Shall I Wish Thee? By Florence LeClair
What shall I wish thee? Treasures of earth?
Songs in the springtime, Pleasure and mirth?
Flowers on thy pathway, Skies ever clear?
Would this ensure thee A happy new year?
What shall I wish thee? What can be found,
Bringing thee sunshine, All the year round?
Where is the treasure, Lasting and dear,
That shall ensure thee A happy new year?
Faith that increaseth, Walking in light,
Hope that aboundeth, Happy and bright;
Love that is perfect, Casting out fear;
These shall ensure thee A happy new year!
Peace in thy Saviour, Rest at His feet,
Smile of His countenance, Radiant and sweet;
Joy in His presence! Christ ever near!
This will ensure thee A happy new year!
A new “Jesus and Me in 2023 Daily Devotional Guide is now available. You can download it from the Conference of Restoration Elders website: eldersconference.org or you can contact me and I will forward it to you.
Please Note:
When you respond to one of these articles or want a copy of the Devotional, DO NOT reply to this email, but contact me by a separate email. pauljg_64055@yahoo.com
I wish you a very happy and Spirit filled New Year.
Paul Gage
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