Read Luke 4 through as you start the new year.  I pray you won't be shaken as you speak life into people, even when it hurts, even when they turn your words against you.  To love people does mean you care about what they do; to stay silent is to remain neutral.  "Never give up.  Never give in."

Luke 4

In this chapter Jesus is tempted by the devil.  Look at v 13:  "And when he devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time." 
I've always heard when a new year starts "Oh, am I glad to put that horrible year to rest" or "That was the year from hell; glad it's behind me."
The devil always rebounds when there is an opportune time.  I was going to post this yesterday, but felt it harsh.  Today, I like it more.

Ps 94: 8-15:  "Pay heed, you senseless among the people; and when will you understand, stupid ones?  He who planted the ear, does He not hear?  He who formed the eye, does He not see?  He who chastens nations, will He not rebuke, even He who teaches man knowledge?  The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath.  Blessed is the man whom Thou dost chasten, O Lord, and does teach out of Thy law; that Thou mayest grant him relief from the days of adversity, until a pit is dug for the wicked.  For the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance.  For judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it."

When we learn to relax and go with bad things that happen, we will then truly know that God sees it all, has a plan, and will bring us out.  Blessed we will be and relief we will get in adversity.  (Verses 12 and 13)
Look back to Luke 4:14  "And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit; and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district."  v15:  "He began teaching in the synagogues and was praised by all."  v 17:  Now it gets heavy. When he opens the bible to Isaiah 61:1  (I encourage you to read the whole chapter).  Everything changes in the room.  Why?    v 20:  "He closes the book, sits down, and all eyes are on Him" !  v 21:  The Spirit is thick and heavy in the room, and He says "Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
I get the feeling the Holy Spirit was already depositing the truth about Him before He even confirms their thoughts.  v 22:  "They were speaking well of Him, and wondering at His gracious words...Is this Joseph's son?"  v 23:  Then He really goes for it!  I wonder why we are so careful, and dance around our words as to never offend anyone.  Take some time and read these verses.  Put yourself in this crowd hearing these words spoken at you.  What would your response be?  Would you join the crowd in verses 28 and 29?  We say "No!" but when the crowd calls us judgemental and self-righteous, it shakes our stance.
Verse 39.  He's on a mission.  He's living His calling, hoping some will heed His words and be saved.  Do we care enough about our family and friends to confront them and hope they will choose life?  Verses 32 and beyond talk a lot about demonic activity.  It seems as if they are going nuts.  That is what happens when light shines in the darkness.