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January 15th - 21st
A new focus:
Being new creatures in Christ, our focus changes from earthly things to eternal goals. God is continually at work in us through the Holy Spirit for His honor and glory. We are to be salt and light in a dying world.
As God works in us for His purpose, He changes the desires of our hearts. Our spiritual eyes are opened for the higher calling on our lives. Wisdom is imparted to us. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5 KJV
After we ask Jesus into our hearts, the Holy Spirit equips to do the Lord’s work – to spread the Good News of the Gospel. Our families, friends, the shops we frequent and our places of employment become our mission fields. Our lives are transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit in us to draw others to the saving grace of Jesus. Romans 10:15b (KJV) reminds us: “As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” We are instructed to be peacemakers, having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15 (KJV)
Each day, we have the opportunity to witness God at work – in our own lives and in those around us. Most of us have seen the email where a man asks God to reveal Himself so God sends a butterfly and the man does not notice it; a baby is born and its birth is viewed as common place; a star shines brightly in the night sky yet the man does not recognize any of these events as God.
The Word tells us that storms will come. Did you know that when the eagle sees an approaching storm, it spreads its wings and runs into the wind, using it to soar above the storm? So, too, the wind of the Holy Spirit can lift us above any turbulence that threatens our peace. Romans 8:37 (KJV) assures us that: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” And Hebrews 10:35, 36 (KJV) says: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
Whatever problems we experience this year, remember that often they are sent into our lives to test us. Some situations will be a result of bad decisions on our part. Regardless, we need to keep our focus on God. We know that when we are in the valley, we tend to look at the trial instead of the One Who can deliver us. Turn to the Scriptures and encourage yourself. Especially in the darkest times, worship God and praise Him in song. Watch for Him, wait for Him, and expect Him to do great and mighty things. God promises in Isaiah 43:2 (KJV) that: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
In this New Year, let our single-minded goal be a deepening relationship with our Father.
“Heavenly Father, remind us to keep our eyes on You each day. Give us wisdom and discernment as we walk life’s pathway. Help us to remember that You are always near, and when the storm clouds gather, we should not fear.”
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforeth us in all tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” II Corinthians 1:3,4 (KJV)
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