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We begin a new series in this new year. It’s entitled, “The One.” This first we we think and talk about ourselves being the one who Jesus sees. Before we become passionate about sharing Christ with others, we have to become secure in the fact that He first loved us. We have to personalize His promises and to a heartfelt understanding that we are God’s dearly loved children.
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.
Out of His holiness, God sets up the norm for acting, thinking, and living that is very different and separate from the patterns of our times. He does this through His Word. The Holy Spirit leads us as we consume God’s word to trust and obey. We as Christ-followers, as Christians living in this world, ought to be led by God’s word in our decisions, in our actions, and in our speaking. The Prophet Amos was given a vision of a plumb line in reference to One who would come, the One who is aligned with God’s desire for all humanity. Jesus came to show us how to live what He taught through love for each one of us.
If you were asked to make a choice and you could either choose life or death, you probably would adamantly say, “I choose life.” Good choice! Now, what if having that life meant putting your all into a relationship where that person would protect you, provide for you, love you, and even die for you? Are you all in for life? God has arranged it all, everything so that you may have life and it is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Life comes through Him, by putting your all into a relationship with Him.
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 we consider recent events in our world, we realize that everyone is looking for peace. What has you nervous today? What has you frustrated, anxious, or afraid? Whatever it may be, you need to discover that the only source for real peace that meets your need is Jesus Christ. The world tries to give you peace by changing your circumstance. If your neighbors are frustrating_ move. If your spouse is hard to live with — divorce. If someone has something you want— take with force. If don’t like your job— quit. Too much stress— escape. Jesus does not try to change your circumstances, He offers a change of heart instead. Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we have journeyed these last weeks through discovering our dream and keeping focused on the things God has planned for us to do, you may have found that your role has changed, your desires have changed, and your assignments from God have changed. They have moved from your desires to what God desires for you. But there is one thing God fully desires is that we all finish well. Getting to the last lap of a race is not the same thing as completing it! The Bible has a lot to say about perseverance in order to cross the finish line.
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