I Timothy 6:6-8 NIV “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
In this Scripture, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of contentment. Paul’s statement that “godliness with contentment is great gain” affirms a proper Christian perspective on money and possessions. How people relate to their possessions – earning it, keeping it, using it, deciding when they have enough – says much about their relationship with God. An improper focus on our possessions is a sign of greed. True godliness means that a person trusts God to provide everything they need to fulfill their Kingdom calling and learns to be content with what He gives. God is not opposed to us having good things; in fact, every good thing we enjoy comes as a gift from God. But we must not confuse the gift with the Giver. The subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) temptation of any culture is to disregard eternal values for temporal gains. Yet no person takes money or possessions with them when they die. Material possessions are temporary and will not survive beyond this life. But contentment is a mark of true godliness, which lasts for eternity. Between this life and the next, believers must trust God to provide.
How can you be content, satisfied, and full of joy with the blessings God has already provided you?
Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Make no mistake brothers and sisters, whether we are aware of it or not, all Christians are engaged in a very real spiritual battle between two opposing kingdoms. And those least aware are often the first casualties. Spiritual warfare requires spiritual weapons, and God has given Christians everything we need to remain strong in the Lord. Thankfully, the Apostle Paul provides believers with a self-defense course in Ephesians 6, and Jesus equips us with the six dimensions of our spiritual armor. He is our truth, our righteousness, our peace, the object of our faith, the source of our salvation, and the living Word of God. Thus, when we “put on” Jesus Christ, we are protected by the only person Satan has never defeated. In fact, by our putting on Christ, He is the One who fights Satan on our behalf.
How can you ensure you are proficient in using every piece of armor God provides?
Matthew 4:18-20 NKJV “And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ They immediately left their nets and followed Him.”
Leadership is a process of influence. Anytime you seek to influence the thinking, behavior, or development of people in their personal or professional lives, you are taking on the role of a leader. Despite how you may see your role at home or what your position is at school or on your job, know that you are a leader in God’s Kingdom as He has called you to be His disciple. If you feel overwhelmed at the responsibility of what it means to be a leader, know that there is one perfect leadership role model you can trust, and His name is Jesus. There is a way to lead that honors God and restores health and effectiveness to organizations and relationships. It is the way Jesus calls us to follow as leaders: to serve rather than be served.
In what ways can you serve others by following the leadership model of Jesus?
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In addition to living a life that glorifies God, Christians are also called to be Kingdom Disciples. The “Great Commission” has not changed since the moment Jesus uttered it. Christians are to go…and make disciples. Thus, we can be confident in knowing that as Kingdom Citizens, we are called to be Kingdom Disciples! In fact, Jesus’ command to make disciples is not reserved for pastors but is a standing order for all believers. And we are to accomplish this by His power and for His sake, through His Spirit, remembering that He is always with us. As you begin your day, be sure to ask God to open the doors of opportunity for you to engage with someone that does not know Jesus. Be not ashamed of the Gospel but walk boldly today as an example of God’s love.
How can you ensure you are prepared to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with someone today?
Mark 2:3-5 NKJV “Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
The paralytic in this account is a picture of how helpless and hopeless every person in his or her sin is, without Christ. The man could not do anything to cure his own disease; he could not get himself to Jesus without someone coming to his aid; he was without strength. This is why having godly friends is so important. In fact, one may assume from the Scripture that Jesus healed the paralytic primarily because He was impressed by the faith of his friends. Those four men were determined to bring their friend to Jesus no matter what the cost, believing that He could help him. Jesus not only saw into their hearts, but He saw into the heart of the paralyzed man and knew his need: forgiveness. The four friends in this story show Christians how to encourage those who may not know Jesus. We cannot save them, but we can bring them to the Savior. We cannot heal their sins, but we can introduce them to the One who is able to wash them clean as snow.
What are some ways you can introduce your friends to Jesus? When was the last time you invited someone to church?
Genesis 12:1-4 NKJV
“Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.”
Even though God made Abram (his name before God changed it to Abraham as a sign of His covenant) three promises, Abraham didn’t know how things would turn out. At times, Abraham worried, and he and Sarah tried to take matters into their own hands. But at some point, Abraham had to decide whether to believe that God would keep these unbelievable promises. Abraham’s belief dilemma set the stage for one of the most important statements found in Scripture. What followed was a declaration and clarification concerning the starting point for humanity’s relationship with God. Genesis 15:6 states, “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” In other words, righteousness was credited to, or applied to, Abraham because he believed in God’s promise. We traditionally associate righteousness (or right standing with God) with good or perfect behavior. So how could righteousness be credited or applied to Abraham? Abraham was given the same rights and privileges with God that a perfectly righteous man would gain through his perfect acts of righteousness. Instead of earning a right standing with God through right actions, Abraham had it gifted to him in response to his faith. The Apostle Paul pointed out that the righteousness available to Abraham is available to you and me was well. The means by which we attain a right standing with God is the same as well: faith. A single expression of faith – for God will credit righteousness to those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
Do you truly believe that God is a promise keeping God? How will you walk by faith in this season of your life despite the realities of what you may see in front of you?
Romans 3:22-24 NIV “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
The words in this Scripture destroy any hope people might have apart from God. Not even one person can earn righteous standing in God’s How can you eyes. All humanity is incapable of doing what is right on its own. We all acknowledge need God’s grace because “all have sinned that you have and fall short of the glory of God.” Grace is fallen short one of God’s expressions of love for us. It of God’s is the gift unsought, unmerited, unlimited glory? Have that overrules whatever a person has done, no matter the depth of transgression or you accepted the darkness of the heart. Think about how God’s gift of the world views sinners, and know that redemption and Jesus has a very different response to those forgiveness? branded as sinners. His response to sinners is an offer of restoration. Jesus taught that sin separates us from God, but that God’s willingness to forgive reconnects us. Thus, it is important to Jesus that we face and embrace our status as sinners so we can recognize our need for forgiveness.
Joshua 24:14-15 NIV
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
In this chapter from the Book of Joshua, Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. During this time, Joshua has a word from the Lord. He reminds the tribes of Israel about all the promises, signs, wonders, miracles, and blessings that God brought their ancestors through, and still, the Israelites relied on other gods and idols as their strength. Joshua makes the ultimatum to the tribes of Israel, choose you who you will serve on this day, but as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord. As you go throughout this next year it is important to remember that God is the only one who will bring you the true blessings that will last from generation to generation. I admonish you all today to trust and surrender all to God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truths.
Do you trust God to guide and protect you with everything concerning your life? What practices that go against the will of God do you need to give up to get your house in order?
Romans 8:1-4 NIV
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
All of us can admit that we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory; most of us repented from that sin and moved on. However, there are a few people who wrestle with that one sin, which you feel is unforgivable. You have replayed the situation in your head over and over wishing that you could have made a better choice. Please understand that there is not one sin that Jesus did not die for. That sin that you are holding onto was nailed to the cross and covered with the blood of the Lamb. The word of the Lord clearly says that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Accept the gift of forgiveness from our Lord and Savior. Forgive yourself, stop beating yourself up, and live out the rest of your life in God’s good and perfect will.
What sin are you holding on to? What is holding you back from giving it to God?
Revelation 21:5 NIV He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
As we look back over 2023, we stand today once again believing God at His word, that The One who sits on the throne will make all things new. His words are true and faithful and will surely come to pass. Behold, my brother, my sister, I am making all things new. When God created the heavens and the earth, including every living thing, God saw all that He had made and behold declared that it was very good. God’s plan for life is always good. Sin entered the world, and with it came judgement, sickness, death. Revelation reminds us God will make everything new, a new heaven, a new earth and a new freedom from sin. The prior chapter of Revelation described the ultimate defeat of sin and evil, and we see in the end that we win. John hears the voice of God declaring that He will make all things new. We stand with the knowledge of yesterday looming in each mind, but our faith brings us to this final chapter to remind us He is Alpha and Omega, He is the beginning and the end, and He is everything in between. You may stand between joy and sorrow, you may stand between sickness and trusting God for healing, you may stand between faith and faithlessness; whatever is between you and your new year, may we remind you He who was with you yesterday is with you today, and shall be with you through 2024. Behold I am making all things new!
What is keeping you from believing God’s word is trustworthy and true?
Romans 15:13 NRSVUE “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Hope these days seems like a fleeting concept, one that is slowly distancing itself away from us. Yet hope, this yearning expectation that With life’s brings forth so much joy, uncertainties, how peace and belief, manages to find a way are you ensuring to remain embedded in our hearts. Hope to remain hopeful that is unexplainable, and while seemingly as the world fleeting, yet and always ever-present. It continues to is present in the stillness of the air; it is change around present in our reflections and present in you?” our relationship with the Almighty. It is present among others, it is present in the presence of the Lord, and it is present in the experience of Jesus Christ. It is present amid the world’s ever-changing landscape and yes, it is present even in the wilderness. So, what shall we say about Hope, what shall we declare? We shall say, declare and stand on Romans 15:13, a prayer, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” so that while you are searching and seeking Hope, that Hope may continue to be found.
Isaiah 25:1 NIV “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”
As we are blessed to witness a brand-new year, there is no better time to reflect on what the Lord has already done. Often, I have conversations with persons sharing all the great things they’ve accomplished over the years. The conversations are filled with the personal pronoun “I.” Some add their desires and plans and how they anticipate the move of God. I have asked the question, But what does God have to say? Although preparing, thinking, and planning are good, these individual actions may be utilized by God as part of His plans in directing and instructing us. Jeremiah 29:11 reads, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Maybe a more appropriate conversation is, God, I have seen you at work in my life; my responsibility is to praise you for what you have already done and remain faithful.
Are you ready to reframe your conversation?
1 John 4:17-18 MSG
“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Wellformed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.”
Oh, to live in God’s perfect love! In a world filled with transitions, shifts, uncertainties, fears, and ambiguities, it is comforting to know that God’s love for us eliminates them all. When God’s love is made complete, we can have confidence in all He has promised. Let’s be honest, all of us can find something to worry about either in our present life or our life to come. I remember as a child contemplating Judgment Day and being concerned as to where I would end up. But, as I matured in faith, I realized it was less about what I did or did not do, and more about who I knew. I learned that “Christ’s love covers a multitude of sin,” “nothing can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus,” and “Jesus paid it all.” Now, I no longer live in fear of death or judgment because I learned and now, I know, as followers of Christ, we are formed in perfect love.
How does understanding God’s love impact your life?
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
As we embark upon this new year, many of us have a desire for change in some way. Year after year, our constant hope is the new year will birth new discipline, new habits, new beginnings, new opportunities, new relationships, and the list goes on. For a lot of us, we start the new year off strong, but momentum begins to fade throughout the year to the point where all our efforts become almost nonexistent. Then, we start the cycle all over again as the next year approaches. Can I burst all our bubbles? The new year isn’t the source of new things; Jesus Christ is. The transformative power we seek year after year does not lie anywhere on the calendar. It lies in our relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are on the hunt for anything new this year, start the year by digging deeper into your relationship with Jesus because we are made new in Him.
How can you intentionally dig deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ this year?
Psalm 119:105 NIV “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Have you ever walked through a dark house, a dark building, or even a dark church trying to find the light switch? You step ever-socarefully to avoid stepping on or bumping into anything. Your heart beats irregularly as you anxiously take each step. You keep your hand on the wall for guidance, in hopes, that eventually, your hand will rub across the light switch. The reality is that is how many of us walk through life without even realizing it. In the pursuit of a refreshed life this year, let God’s Word lighten your path and guide your steps. Just as a lamp lights a traveler’s path in the darkness, God’s Word shines brightly amid life’s uncertainties. It dispels the shadows of confusion, revealing the way forward with divine precision. As you read Scripture, consider the light it brings to your path and the wisdom it imparts for the year ahead.
What specific passages of Scripture can you meditate on to seek guidance for the decisions and challenges you may face in the coming year?
Proverbs 16:3 NIV “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
At some point in life, we have all given a gift that we eventually requested back. It could have been recently or during our childhood; but the majority of us are guilty of repossessing what we have given to someone from time to time. If you cannot recall a time when you took back something that you had given someone, consider this: we give God gifts that we eventually request back or take back by force. Year after year, we give our desires, goals, and plans to God only to try to work out the details ourselves. We tell Him that He’s in control and then try to take control when things don’t work out like we thought they would. We constantly play tug of war with God when it comes to our plans, our finances, our hearts, and so much more. Refreshing our lives involves surrendering control and trusting who you surrendered your control to. It takes the releasing of our control, impatience, need for perfection, and much more to truly see God work in our lives. This year, if we offer it to Him, we should leave it in His hands.
In what areas of your life can you release control to God and trust Him to establish your plans?
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
It is nearly impossible to walk forward while staring backward. Walking forward while looking back represents the challenge of moving into your future while clinging to what was. New beginnings require letting go of past burdens, past hurt, past mistakes, and past disappointments and embracing the freedom that God offers. In Isaiah 43:18-19, God encourages us to release the grip of the past and embrace the new things He is doing. It’s a call to move forward, trusting in His transformative power. This passage beautifully illustrates God’s ability to make a way even in seemingly barren or difficult circumstances. The path behind you holds memories, both positive and negative, but your fixation on it prevents you from fully embracing the beauty that lies ahead.
What specific past struggles or regrets do you need to release to fully embrace the new things God wants to do in your life?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Consider a grand tapestry being woven by the Master Weaver for a moment. Each thread represents a moment in time – some bright and joyful, others dark and challenging. The tapestry, viewed from the back, may seem chaotic, with knots and loose ends. The backside, akin to our limited perspective, may not fully comprehend the beauty being crafted. As the Master Weaver works, turning the tapestry around, a breathtaking scene unfolds. Every thread works together to create a stunning masterpiece – a reflection of God’s design for our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:11 invites us to trust God’s timing and perceive our lives like that tapestry. From our limited view, certain moments may seem perplexing or difficult to understand. However, God sees the complete picture, making everything beautiful in its appointed time. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, let’s trust that God is weaving a masterpiece with our days. In moments of uncertainty, remember that the tapestry is still being crafted, and the beauty of His plan will be revealed in its perfect time.
How can you cultivate patience and trust God’s timing as you step into new beginnings?
Psalm 51:12 NIV “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
In Psalm 51:12, we find a heartfelt plea of David as he seeks God’s restoration and renewal. Imagine a garden that has weathered a harsh winter. The once-vibrant flowers have withered, and the soil appears dry and lifeless. Now picture that same garden coming to life as God showers it with the rain of His grace. The once-withered flowers begin to bloom, and the dry soil is transformed into fertile ground. This is the restoration that David seeks and this is the revival that a lot of us need. A revival of the soul that brings forth abundant joy of knowing and being known by God. As you reflect on Psalm 51:12, consider the state of your spiritual garden. Invite God to rejuvenate your soul, restoring the joy of His salvation. Pray for a willing spirit that embraces His transformative work, allowing His grace to sustain you in every season of life.
What are some activities or habits that you can incorporate into your routine to restore and maintain the joy of your salvation?
Romans 12:2 NIV “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
When a caterpillar is in the process of becoming a butterfly, the caterpillar is nestled in the cozy security of its cocoon. This cocoon is comfortable enough for a caterpillar to remain; but because of its limits, a butterfly must break free. As the caterpillar begins its metamorphosis, it undergoes a profound change within its cocoon. It begins to grow. It grows beautiful wings that are meant to be stretched. The caterpillar’s growth causes it to push against the confines of the cocoon. It outgrows its space and has to break free if it wants to live free. Romans 12:2 invites us into a similar transformative journey – one that leads to a refreshed and renewed mind. In a world filled with constant pressures to conform, this verse urges us to break free from the mold and embrace a renewal that aligns with God’s perfect will. As you grow in God’s word, you will outgrow people, places, habits, and behaviors. What was comfortable will become uncomfortable. Breaking free will become your only way to live out the life that God intended for you.
What specific thoughts or patterns have you outgrown and need to break free from?
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
As an architect prepares to design a blueprint for new construction concept, each detail is carefully calculated and considered. Before a single brick is laid, the architect meticulously sketches every detail, envisioning the structure’s form, function, and beauty. The architect carefully chooses the right materials, colors, tools. And when the architect faces challenges during construction, they adjust the plans ensuring the building remains resilient and functional. In the same way, God, the Divine Architect of our lives, intricately plans each aspect with infinite wisdom and foresight. Just as the building stands as a testament to the architect’s skill and vision, our lives are a reflection of God’s divine craftsmanship. Trusting in Him is similar to surrendering to the expertise of an architect, confident that His plans, though sometimes beyond our understanding, are designed for us to prosper and are filled with hope. Embrace the new year with confidence, knowing that the same God who declared these plans is with you every step of the way. Surrender your expectations, dreams, and fears into His capable hands, and allow Him to guide you into the beautiful narrative He has penned for your life. Trust the Architect of your story, for His Blueprint for your life is filled with goodness, purpose, and a future that surpasses all expectations.
How can you actively anticipate and align your plans with God’s purposes in the coming year?