Dear Friend,

The year 2015 is over. Last year brought some wonderful victories but also some heart-wrenching tragedies. I’m praising Jesus that He has walked with us through them all and has again and again proven Himself faithful. I’m looking forward to many more victories in 2016.

In this new year, we must remember who we are in Christ Jesus. First Peter 2:9 says: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Jesus gave us everything when He died for us, and He wants us to succeed in Him. We are His treasures, and He will always be there for us.

I’ve had people tell me that they feel like God is angry with them sometimes or that He is allowing circumstances to happen to teach them something. But most of that kind of thinking comes from the devil putting pressure on their minds.

The Bible tells us in First Peter 5:8 that the devil is always looking for a place to enter into our lives: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. He knows his days are numbered, so in his rage, he wants to destroy as many of us as he can. Satan would love nothing better than to destroy our confidence in God. But Jesus paid too high a price for us to ever quit.

That is why I want to encourage you to remember who you are in Christ Jesus. You are so valuable and so loved by God the Father. He hears your heart. He knows what you need.

Our Father uses every avenue open to Him to position us with His Word and to teach us how to receive from Him. This has everything to do with trust—our faith in His ability to rescue us from the traps of the devil.

Jesus redeemed us, healed us, and has never given up on us, just like First Peter 3:12 says: For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. Our hearts can be encouraged with how much our Father loves us. He is merciful, just, and so worthy of our love, honor, and praise.

Third John 2-4 is my heart for you this year:

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Being a parent myself, I know that last verse is exactly how the Father feels when we walk in truth. Praise God! Have a blessed and triumphant 2016.

In His love,

Donner Roberson