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Celebrating a New Beginning is a joyful and transformative experience, akin to embarking on a fresh journey with Jesus. It's an opportunity to leave behind the past and embrace a spiritual rebirth filled with hope, faith, and the promise of a brighter future.
Did you know we can still be me-centered when we serve others? We could be focused on the “thank you” more than the thanksgiving of serving with the hands and feet of Christ. Jesus stated, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28. Jesus served with mercy. He is our example. He showed us what is required in service to others— to give not only of yourself, but to have mercy guide our hearts while we serve.
On the night in which He was betrayed, Jesus did not assemble an army to fight against those who were seeking to kill Him. He sat with HIs disciples and showed them exactly how He was going to forgive, to show mercy. May be someone has betrayed you in the past. How did you handle it? Jesus showed us to handle it with compassion. It’s not easy, however in the strength of Jesus Christ forgiveness does come.
What a journey those Magi from ancient days must have had following the star that led them to Jesus the King of kings and Lord of lords. Have you thought about your journey with Christ? Maybe you’ve sat on the sidelines hoping for something to happen. Or maybe you’re afraid of what will happen if you go all-in for Jesus. Whatever the case let Him take control of your life, let Him have the steering wheel and one thing for sure, your life will be an adventure.
As believers in Jesus Christ, as followers of His Word, we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit that changes and transforms us, changes and transforms our desires. One of the desires He brings to light is prayer— talking to God. Prayer regardless of age, IQ, education, and resources, we can all do the same thing— pray. Since God invites and expects us to pray, then prayer has to be simple.
God’s love for us is not based on conditions. His love never changes. May we be reminded that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). That is how God demonstrated His love, His unfailing love for each one of us— for you. You may be thinking that God could never love you because of what you have done. God’s love is not based on what you have done but is based on what Jesus did on the cross. One thing in this life you can be guaranteed of is that God’s love is unfailing.
When you hear the word surrender what does that mean for you? Does it mean giving up on something or does it mean giving it all to God to orchestrate? When we live fully surrendered to God, we trust Him so much so that our finances, our family, our job situation, our home, our car, our everything is given to Him for the benefit and blessing in our lives for us and for others. We gather once again to remember that Jesus is central to all of our daily living.
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