January 7, 2026

A few years ago, my daughter and her roomie were at a thrift store in NC looking for a kitchen table and chairs. They found one at a very reasonable price and were prepared to purchase it, when an announcement was made that due to inclement weather coming, the store would be closing in 10 minutes and that everything would immediately be 50% off. Being that it was NC, the inclement weather meant that a snowflake had been spotted 2 counties away. So, they were able to get the table and chairs for $29. (I think it was something ridiculously low like that.)

To remind themselves of that providential provision, they put a sticky note on the fridge that said, “$29.” In other words, no matter how tough of a day you are going to have or just had, remember that we got a table and chairs for $29. What a great way to cultivate cheerfulness and thankfulness!

What sticky note could you/should you put on your fridge? What provision or blessing has God given you that reminds you that no matter how tough a day you are going to have or just had, that God has been good to you? I have a suggestion.

John 16:33 is the final verse of the final sermon that Jesus delivered to his disciples before his death. We call that sermon the Upper Room Discourse, since this is what he taught them in the Upper Room. His final words to them before he prayed, were, “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” The King James Version says to “Be of good cheer.” Jesus is commanding us to be encouraged because he has overcome the world. If he has overcome the world, well, then, what challenge or difficulty could possibly be greater than that?

I love sticky notes. Maybe not as much as I love zip ties, duct tape and super glue, but sticky notes are pretty keen and here is a great use for one. Write down, “Jesus has overcome the world” on a sticky note, and put it on your fridge for this week. When you are tempted to complain, be anxious or be discouraged remember what Jesus has said, because of what Jesus has done. He has overcome the world. So, be of good cheer!

Happy New Year,

Bob

Sunday’s text: Luke 16:14-17