January 1 – ONLY ONE HOPE

 

We are holding back nothing, putting everything we have and everything we are on our Hope. That Hope is Jesus, and our trust is that He is the answer to what each of us need in our lives. That’s the reason we follow Him so closely each day. (I Timothy 4:10)

 

Is Jesus really your hope? Or, is it your wits, your management team, your process, and your effort that you count on when it comes down to stressful times?

 

Paul tells Timothy here that he has made a basic, bottom-line decision; “Jesus is going to be my answer!” Notice too, the way he makes Jesus his answer. Paul says that he follows closely. That gives him opportunity for constant conversation, constant questions, and the chance for Jesus to give (and be) the answer to each situation.

 

Resolve now only one thing; that each day this year will begin with an affirmation that Jesus is the hope for you, your family, your church, your people, and all the rest of your life.

OCTOBER 12 – SERVING TEACHES

 And the many began to ask him (John), “So what, then, should we do?” He answered, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who has none. If you have food, do the same.” (Luke 3:10-11)

                   Do you give your people practical opportunities to participate in God’s kingdom work? At times, behaving in a way that models your values; especially when providing service unselfishly to others, can open a person’s heart to the love of Christ. As they experience God’s presence in the work and the healing power of hope, people have an opportunity to see a different possibility for their own lives.

                   John encouraged his listeners to understand that God’s judgment is certain, and that He will not accept less than a life lived well; for His purposes. To that challenge, the people asked the question most would consider, “How then do I please God?” Humble repentance in faith, such as these people showed as they sought to be baptized is desired by God. But, Scripture repeatedly explains that selfless love and mercy is the answer to what really pleases God.

                   Words are powerful, but actions are powerful too. Give your people opportunities to learn through action. Let them participate with you in God’s work in your community. Serving others will teach them about God’s love.

OCTOBER 8 – BOLD PERSEVERENCE

 But Christ was faithful as the Son over the House of God, His Father. We are His house if we persevere boldly to bring glory to Him with our firm hope always to the end. (Hebrews 3:6)

                  Are there times you don’t feel like celebrating God’s goodness? Have you experienced the place where the work you have done and the processes you have initiated to follow Him seem to be yielding nothing? Were you tempted to use your mind, and the proven ways of the world to turn it around? You should never choose the world’s way.

                  The writer observes, “Jesus was faithful.” He did what God wanted Him to do – period. Then he says, “If you are His house (where He lives)” – in other words – “If Jesus really is your Lord and lives in you,” then you will do the same thing. You will persevere boldly through difficult times if Jesus lives in you. He includes strong adverbs for emphasis. He says to persevere always, every day to the end. Be bold in speaking truth even to those who don’t want to hear. Do the work because you have hope (believe) in God’s power to accomplish His will and purposes in the world. Living this way means you never stop celebrating God; never give up on Him and just do what other people would do.

                  Persevere boldly, with great hope in the Lord God alone, and do it firmly to the end when He completes His work in you.

February 18 – LIVING FULLY

 For in Him (the Lord) we live, we are moved, and we exist. As some of your poets have taught, “We are God’s children.” (Acts 17:28)

                As you think about what it means to follow Jesus, do your thoughts turn to what you must do and say, or to what you must be very careful not to do or say? Do those thoughts have a negative voice? Do they sound like a rule book?

                Paul did not see harsh rules when he pictured life lived God’s way. Paul is speaking to Greek listeners, many of whom thought the ideal life was about logic, reason, and ancient wisdom. Reminding them of a poem written to honor Zeus, he explains that His God really is a loving father (Isaiah 1:2). Many first century Greeks saw such emotion as a hindrance, believing the brain should always control your actions. Paul argued that the Lord wants to help you understand life with your mind, be moved by your emotion to love others in His name, and respond based on obeying His will that He shows you each time you act.

                If your life is tied to your rulebook, consider Paul’s view. Learn from your Father how to live freely and fully in Jesus.

February 13 – TIME TO SPARE

 Give generously. As you do, it will continue to be given to you – an overflowing return of generosity for more giving. It is your generosity that measures your own return. (Luke 6:38)

                Which resource would you most like to see multiplied? For many people, who have great responsibility, lots of problems to solve, and lots of new opportunities to pursue, the answer is time. For many, there is no more valuable, nor more scarce resource than that.

                Although this Scripture passage is often used to teach financial generosity, the context shows Jesus was asking even more. He was teaching listeners to resist the urge to criticize and blame others, even when they harm you. Instead, He said to give and to forgive; to take the time to think through why the offender has acted, and how that person became who they are. Then, Jesus counseled them to respond with love that results in real forgiveness and to invest generously in helping that person – whatever their need.

                Hear the promise of Jesus. Understand that He is challenging you to see the investment of your time in others who need you as the way to insure you will have all the time you need – and more. 

February 11 – PAUL’S ENEMIES

 Even though we live in this world, we don’t fight against other men as they do with each other. Our weapon is God’s power, and our enemies are the lies and destruction in culture that oppose our Lord. We fight by being obedient to God in every detail. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

                Who is your most challenging competitor or opponent? Picture the person, not their organization or a group. When you think of this person, do you see an enemy? Or, do you see a person of great value who you should love? In any battle, identifying the true enemy is important.

                Paul clearly explains in his writing that men and women are not your enemies. Instead, like you, they can be victims of the enemy. Your role as a follower of Jesus is to be used in their rescue, and Jesus explained that this is accomplished through God’s grace. God gives you the ability to obey His command to love. Paul refused to get involved in petty arguments and fight with the people who opposed him. His faith in God overcame his fears of being harmed or defeated, so he could focus on obedience, and fight the real battles.

                Today you have the same choice. Choose your enemies wisely.

February 8 – TONGUE TRAINING

 The Lord God Himself has given to me the tongue of His well-trained student so that I will know how to encourage and embolden those who are weary with my words. (Isaiah 50:4)

               Do your words give courage to those who depend upon you? Are they filled with hope and optimism? Do you inspire a confidence that helps them to overcome?

                God’s word through Isaiah points clearly to Jesus the Messiah. He lived this passage. Each person who came to Jesus found understanding and empathy. Jesus spoke plainly, and He brought hope with words that were true and alive. As God calls you to lead His people, He will also provide the well-trained tongue you need to encourage and strengthen the weary people who follow with you. You must will to give your life to the work of building relationships. This investment of time and energy allows you to know, understand, and empathize with your people. You are also called to spend your time, and invest your other resources to be sure that this word reaches the far corners of your community.

It takes courage and boldness to allow God to speak through you, so you must spend time with Him to become a well-trained student.

January 31 – THE ONE THING

 Hear me! Our God; the only God, is the Lord. He is your Lord and your God. Love Him with all your emotion and intellect. Love Him with everything you are and all you can do. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

                Think of a time when you made a big decision; one that would require a great portion of your resources (time, energy, money). A big investment, or an all-consuming business deal may come to mind. Maybe you are thinking of a huge personal commitment to a spouse or family member. Did you take that decision to God? Did you ask for what He wanted, rather than asking Him for what you wanted?

                Moses explains here that God expects to entirely consume your attention. With this explanation, there is no room for you to reserve any portion of your life. Moses also says that God expects to be your motivation for everything you do and everything you are. Again, there is no allowance for you to see any part of your life as a place where God does not control your actions.

                Tell God today that you want Him to consume your thoughts and control your actions. If you are serious, He will do it.

January 30 – ONE HOPE

 I pray that all who believe may be one; the way you, Father are in Me, and I am in you, so they will be one in us too. Then, the world will have hope and believe that you sent me. (John 17:21)

                Where does community rank in your list of priorities for those you lead? How important is it to you that these people see your group as a distinct people? Have you given them a hopeful vision and the values that can set them apart?

                For Jesus, an intense common unity and fellowship was the one thing He asked of the Father for you and all others who would come to know Him as Lord. Only through this oneness of each person looking to the Father, each moment, just as Jesus did, can your community share the Hope of His love. Only then, will His Spirit be alive in you through Jesus Christ.  For a believer; a follower of Jesus, He is the Hope of the world. Jesus says that for others to believe and be changed, His church - including you and your people - must be united. Hope requires unity!

                Real unity fosters a culture that brings change in the lives of others in the community. Community is job one!

January 29 – WHAT DO YOU WANT?

 Jesus called the crowd to gather around Him with His disciples and said, “Whoever wants to live this life with me must give up pursuing what you want. Instead, forget about yourself, embrace the suffering you will experience in this world, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

                What do you want? No, not the acceptable, honorable, public answer. Deep inside you, what do you long for? Security? Acceptance? Significance?

                Jesus explains very simply and directly that following Him is not possible if you keep pursuing these goals that other people around you are seeking. This world offers a long list of diversions to fill any emptiness you may want to fill. Considering the many alternatives, and the strong attraction they have, Jesus spoke in clear, concise terms; “give up,” “forget about,” literally “take up your cross daily.” He was preparing would-be followers for an experience that would look a lot like His own life. Following Jesus, you will spend your life; giving yourself to other people so that they will come to know the Lord. This message is for you too.

                You must want Jesus Christ most and only, if you want to experience the life He offers.

January 28 – PROMISES, PROMISES

 Not a single word of any good promise the Lord God made has failed to come to pass. Each one happened, just as He said, in every detail.” (Joshua 21:45)

                Which are the promises of God that you rely upon most often? “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” “Come to me when you’re weary,” “I will return for you?” Whichever promise you choose, you can be confident. It will happen.

                God’s promises are intentional (Isaiah 46:10). God’s promises are based on His love for you (John 3:16). God’s promises last (Psalm 33:11). Can the people whose lives you affect count on your promises? Are you careful to ask God for guidance and counsel so that your words and actions only make promises that are intentional? Do you take care to love others, putting their needs before your own, as you plan the way forward for those whom you lead? Do you act with integrity, remembering what God has led you to promise, and being certain that each promise is fulfilled in every detail?

                When God lives in you, and He consumes your thoughts and controls your actions, your promises will not fail.

January 27 – KNOW YOUR ROLE

 Then Samuel said (to King Saul), “Do you think God is excited that you brought him a few animals? Do you think that is better than simply doing what He told you to do? Nothing you can do is better than obedience!” (1 Samuel 15:22)

                What responsibility has God given to you? What do you know is your role? If you don’t know, stop what you are doing. Find a place you can be alone with God. Ask Him to speak to you through His Spirit, and give you that answer. When you do know the answer, immediately make that responsibility become your highest priority each day.

                Samuel, and later David, the prophets, and Jesus repeated this counsel, “God wants you to do what He says, not some ritual or project you dream up to please Him.” The penalty for missing this advice is steep. God rejected Saul’s leadership role (verse 23) because he disobeyed, and He regretted that He had made Saul king (verse 35).

                Don’t waste time creating ideas and beginning projects to please God. Don’t talk about how devoted you are to Him. Just ask Him what He wants you to do…… and then, do what He says.

 

January 26 – YOUR SERVE

 Don’t view life as a battle; acting always to advance your cause – looking for praise and honor to be heaped on you. Instead, give yourself in service, regarding each other person as more important than you. (Philippians 2:3)

                Who do you want to rush past, overlook, or ignore? Do you justify that action with explanations of your busy-ness, important work, or the higher priorities that always call for your attention?

                Paul defines the attitude necessary to live each day humbly, with the right understanding of God’s will for your life. He says, “Be alert for the needs of other people, and let their needs control your actions.” Think of a powerful ruler. Imagine the aides, assistants, and servants surrounding that person. Each is waiting, watching anxiously for any opportunity to serve. Each one measures his or her life and success by the quality of that ruler’s experience.

                Now, exchange the ruler for the person you see as a burden; the one you wish to avoid. Place yourself before that most undesirable person, like an anxious servant, and begin giving your life in service to them. That is what Jesus requires.

January 25 – WHAT ABOUT US?

 So, take the next step – I’ll be ecstatic! Focus together as one mind. Find ways to show your love for each other as you become one – body and soul; following our Lord together. (Philippians 2:2)

                How big is your “us?” As you think of the people in your life; friends, employees, customers, vendors, and even competitors, are they colleagues and friends? Or, do you see them as members of the other side – rivals and opponents battling you for the same, limited resources?

                Paul urges his friends who are facing opposition – and are even those engaged in conflict, to look beyond what divides them. He tells his people to focus on unity, and to perform acts of love. Paul is saying that to will, and to act like, you are part of an “us” is an important step in making “us” become a reality. Business strategists recognize the importance of unity and encourage it, but genuine harmony is rare. It is very hard to create unity where it doesn’t exist. Why is it so hard? Paul explains this. Unity; real oneness requires more than simply desire and effort. Unity is impossible without common purpose and genuine love.

                God is the author of love. It is He who gives you purpose that becomes a vision for your people. “Us” – real unity that lasts - is impossible without Him.

January 24 – ANY COST

 Because Christ has risen, I will suffer and pay any cost He requires for the rest of my life. It’s worth it! I do this so those who hear His word, through my pain, will know and love Him and be saved. (2 Timothy 2:10)

                Do you ever repeat the saying, “No good deed goes unpunished?” As you invest your life most fully in your calling from the Lord, does it seem that problems begin to grow around you? Are things getting worse instead of better? Do you think this is strange? Should you be surprised?

                Paul’s statement to Timothy, his student, assumes opposition, cost, and suffering. His advice is encouragement for Timothy to see the suffering he will face as a small price to be a part of the Lord’s work in the world. To participate in the rescue of other lives is worth a great cost. Paul is not alone. Jesus spoke often of sacrifice, assuring people who wanted to follow him that they must give up people, places, and things which they loved. He also promised the sacrifices would be worth it. Yes, when God controls your life, there will be a cost. Jesus said you should consider that price as you decide.

                Believe the promise of Jesus, and decide, like Paul, that the life promised you and your people is worth any cost

January 23 – CONSISTENT RESULTS

 If you focus on God whose Spirit is in you, you will show love for others in an uncommon, selfless way. You’ll be calm and at peace even when you must be patient. Your faith will allow you to be kind and generous. This comes only from relying on God. Following rules will never produce this life – only God. (Galatians 5:22-23)

                What did the people around you observe the last time you had a bad day? Did you withdraw? Were you angry? Did others pay a price?

                Paul explains that life with Christ allows you to see the events of your life from God’s perspective. This enables you to be consistently faithful. Rather than being angry and selfish, or seeing yourself as a victim and others as enemies, you will experience the peace that will let you be kind and generous. Your life will be different if you focus on the Lord.

                You can live this consistent life, even when times are hard. Turn to Jesus when you rise each morning. View each event, meeting, and task from His perspective, considering how you will affect the people around you with your smallest actions. Your life will be different, and others around you will be changed as well.

January 22 – MAKE IT CLEAR

 And the Lord said, “Write down the vision I give you; make it clear so the one who reads it will understand and spread hope.” (Habakkuk 2:2)

                What do you do when everything is crashing around you, and you have run out of answers? That situation is exactly where Habakkuk found himself just before hearing these words.

Facing an overwhelming force, which credited its success to pagan gods, other Israelites cowered in fear, but Habakkuk remembered God. So, Habakkuk, the prophet – God’s leader – went to the place (2:1) where he talked with God, and he prayed for the answer. The Lord gave His answer to Habakkuk and his people. It was an assurance of His power; a reminder that men and the lifeless objects men trust are no match for Him. In short, the message was, “Don’t be afraid. Trust me.” God’s instruction to Habakkuk was just as simple, “Lead my people.” He tells Habakkuk to communicate encouragement and hope in a way they will understand.

These same responses will be God’s answer when you go to your place and meet Him during your difficult times. The details will change, but the vision of Hope will always be the same. Write it down. Make it clear.

January 21 – MY FATHER’S BUSINESS

 My dear friends, keep loving all others (everyone), because love comes from God. Only those whom God has fathered – who know Him – can be loving. One who does not love could never have known God, because God is love, and love comes from Him. (1 John 4:7-8)

                People are not reliable. That’s why you trust but verify. You confirm, notarize, guarantee, and collateralize every significant agreement. To love, you must extend yourself, and place yourself at risk. You may suffer loss! When, other than with close family and long-time friends, have you put yourself at risk because of your love for another person? When have you loved one who has hated you in return?

                In this letter, John says repeatedly, “The sign of your relationship with the Lord God; the proof that He lives in your heart, and you are trusting Him with your entire life, is that you are constantly, consistently – without reservation – loving other people.” The love he describes assumes that you are so connected to Christ; so much filled with His Spirit, that your whole life will be invested in a love for other people that leads them to Jesus.

                Make love your primary vocation. If God is your Father, loving is the family business.

January 20 – MORE PROSPERITY

 My dear friend (Gaius), first I pray that you may experience the same health you enjoy in your relationship with God in every part of your life, so that you may live out fully all the Lord places in your heart. (3 John 2)

                What do you picture when you think of prosperity? Is it power? Money? Fame? Or, maybe you think of great intellect, beautiful appearance, or uncommon skill?

                John includes being “well in spirit” and “faithful in truth” (v3) as elements of prosperity. This may be different from how you think of that word. Prosperity has many definitions, depending on the speaker and the context. From Latin, we understand it can mean “according to expectation” and “for hope.” The Greek; to “have a good career,” and Hebrew “making accomplished” are two other choices. John uses all of them here; a blanket of prosperity. He puts hope in God at the center and as the cause of his wish for Gaius to be well and able to meet the Lord’s expectation for his life. He even identifies that “having a good career of accomplishing God’s will is the real prosperity that he wishes for his friend.

                How will you define prosperity?

January 19 – GIVE IT UP

 Anyone who is unwilling to give up everything, even his or her own life, accepting the cost I require - just as I am doing - is not following me. That person can’t be my disciple. (Luke 14:27)

                Giving up your things is very hard. Giving up the people you love or feel that you need is even harder. Giving up ownership of your own life; losing control – now that’s a terrifying thought! Who are you holding onto with both hands? For which people do you feel responsible – spouse, children, employees?

                The only authority you should have over another is the specific role given to you by the Lord. To assume more responsibility than that is to put yourself in God’s place. Jesus is clear that you don’t have general authority over what happens even in your own life. The Lord gives you direction. Your responsibility is only to be obedient. He keeps the responsibility for the outcome.

                Accepting this relationship with Him is a requirement if you will be a follower of Jesus. It is also required if you want to have real peace.

January 18 – WHOLE-HEARTED TRUST

 Trust the Lord with your whole heart. Don’t count on what you think. Wait for God, and listen for His voice. He will show you the way to His prosperity. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

                You have a huge decision to make; one that may change your business forever. What do you do first? Call the banker? Talk to the CPA or attorney? A trusted board member? How about Jesus? Where does He fall on your contact list?

                Often a leader will accumulate all the counsel and guidance the world can offer. He will decide. Then, almost as an afterthought, he will ask God to bless the design that he alone created. Real prosperity, the kind that changes peoples’ lives, and even the whole culture of a community begins with God’s voice. Trusting the Lord with your whole heart does not mean including Him in your deliberations. It means depending only on Him.

                Trust the Lord, and find His prosperity. Ask God to give you all your answers.

January 17 – MAKE IT HAPPEN

 Now, my Lord – God – everything you have promised concerning me and my family, make it all happen in and through us; just like you said! (2 Samuel 7:25)

                God’s promises are numerous, generous, and gracious. Do you believe any of them enough to conduct business each day as if they are truthful? David believed. He was not perfect. He did some really bad things. But, David trusted God. God even said that David was a man after His own heart. Why would He say that?

                David was humble. Even as king, he knew he was subject to the Lord, God. David wanted to be obedient and faithful. He recognized that God held authority over him and he respected that authority. David loved. He loved God, and he loved his people – even enemies within his ranks. Each of these characteristics show great faith in his Lord. Jesus began many of His promises with the words, “if you have faith…”

                Do you have the faith of David? Will you earnestly call on God to “make it all happen” just like God says?

January 16 – ABRAM’S BELIEF

 The Lord God appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” So, Abram built an altar, taking ownership in God’s name. Because he believed – Abram acted! (Genesis 12:7)

                Does God ever tell you to do something that doesn’t make sense to you? How do you respond when that happens? Is your first thought about “how” you should get started, or is it about “whether” you should act?

                Abram, at seventy-five (75) years of age, having moved his wife, his family, and all his other people and possessions three hundred miles, stood on the edge of a new country. He could see the land was occupied by other people. He knew that he had no children. He understood that the promise was not even that he would personally benefit. Rather, the benefit was for generations to come. Yet, Abram’s first response was to act – saying, “Yes, Lord.”

                Will that be your answer? Will you say, “yes,” and trust in the vision God gives you for a people?

January 15 – IN WITH THE NEW

Anyone who comes to faith in Christ becomes a new person. Look! See how the old ways are gone, and a brand-new life begins. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

                Do you want to be a new person? Some people, especially those who enjoy success in life, don’t really want to put their successful formula at risk. They don’t want a new life unless it’s guaranteed to be a better life – on their terms.

                Paul explains that you must be ready to abandon any old way that is inconsistent with the brand-new life you begin when you follow Jesus. Is there anything (relationship, possession, place, identity) old that you want to hold onto, no matter what? If so, understand that your decision is about whether you will have another god. It makes the importance decision even more clear as you realize that Jesus will not share you with that other god.

                Decide today that you will trust Him and pursue the new life He offers. Let go of anything that stands in the way. 

January 14 – THE GIFT

No one can show greater love than this, that he or she willingly, gladly decide to spend his or her life for the benefit of friends. (John 15:13)

                It would be easy to read this passage and think only of the heroic. Many people are stirred to action in times of immediate danger. But, are you intentional in giving your life in the everyday, boring times? Will you intentionally choose to invest time and energy in the everyday life of another person, given there will be times when you know it will cost you something?

                During this conversation with His followers, Jesus explained three truths. First, He reminded them that their time together had been possible only because He willingly, gladly spent His life each day for them. Second, Jesus gave them a way to understand His crucifixion that was soon to come. It was His ultimate gift of love. Finally, He explains to them, and to you, that His true friends will spend each day being “spent” so that others will learn this love.

                You received this gift. Will you give it?

January 13 – PURPOSE – THE JOY

 I have told you these things, that my joy – the great delight and happiness I have in My Father – will be in you too, and so you will experience this joy fully and completely like I do. (John 15:11)

                Do you feel “great delight and happiness” at 9:00am on Monday morning? Jesus says that you can!

                The context of this promise of full and complete joy; this “thing” he has told you,” is an invitation to a life focused on the Father. Jesus explains that a prosperous, fruitful life comes from an intimate, personal relationship with Him. It is recorded in John 15:1-8 that Jesus used an illustration of a vine and its branches to show that this relationship engages both you and Him, together in every moment; united in producing very good results that are the result of a shared life. On the other hand, if what you feel consistently is far from delight and happiness; if you don’t see lives changing around you each day, there may be something missing.

                How can you “delight” in every moment? Spend each moment with Jesus.

January 12 – PURPOSE – A COMMAND

 This is what I command; that each of you continue to love the others. (John 15:12)

                Do you struggle to find and clearly express your life’s purpose? If you do, consider a simple possibility. You could say, “I follow Jesus.” To follow someone is to do what that person wants you to do (1 John 2:4, Ecclesiastes 12:13).

                Jesus explained what He wants repeatedly. He commands that you love others - as that love shows your love for Him. So, in its most simple form, your purpose; the focus of anyone’s life who is a follower of Jesus, is to love Him enough to do what He says – love other people. This idea is so very simple; even child-like. The great challenge comes when you try to apply this rule to every part of your life. You see, unless you change your statement of purpose to, “I follow Jesus at those times when I’m with nice people who treat me well,” loving other people can be very hard.

                Will you follow and obey Jesus in the places, and at the times, when it is hard to love?

January 11 – HOPE

 May God – The Author of Hope – fill you with all His joy and peace so that you can keep on believing in Him as you live, and so you will overflow with hope in the Lord by the power of His Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

                In an earlier part of his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul explained that people develop the reliance on God that is called hope, as they experience suffering (Romans 5:3-5). How can this be true? During the last challenge you endured, do you remember being filled with God’s joy and peace?

                Paul explains that God gives hope by filling men and women with the confidence of His character, His strength, and His love. This knowledge, from the experience of a relationship with God, and from His promises, gives the peace which allows you to keep going in times of trouble. Also, Paul’s prayer here for God’s grace to “fill” his Roman friends reminds you that all good things come from Him. It also reminds believers to pray for those good gifts every moment.

                Consider all the times God has been reliable, and be filled with His Hope.

January 10 – COMPLETE

 If you wish to be made whole and completed, dispose of the possessions you have and value now. Invest that wealth in the lives of others to find the real treasure in heaven. Then, come and follow me. (Matthew 19:21)

                Is there some part of your life; something you “possess” that you are holding back from God? Is there any person or thing that you can’t give up – that you value more than you value becoming what God wants you to be?

                Jesus counsels this wealthy, young man not only to release his ties to what he values more than God, but he also tells him to give that wealth to those who can never repay him; people who may not deserve the gift. That sounds exactly like what Jesus did for you. With that understanding, He is really saying, “If you want to be complete, then do as I have done. Do as I am doing now. Then, come along, and continue to follow with me as I show you the way forward.”

                All it will cost you is everything. But, it’s worth it.

 

January 9 – TROUBLE AHEAD

 Dear friends, don’t be confused and lose your way because you are mistreated and opposed, even when it’s extreme. You should expect that to happen. (I Peter 4:12)

                How do you respond when your very best efforts are frustrated, and even seem to cause problems rather than to solve them?

                Peter, who was clearly writing to people he loved, still was firm and very clear with them. As Jesus had said before, “There will be a great cost paid by each person who chooses to live God’s way.” Later in this letter (I Peter 4:16 & 19), Peter explains that you will suffer because God wills it for your good. He also says your response should be to, “praise God,” and “continue to do good.”

                Will you praise God while you are experiencing loss? Will you keep doing good when the world calls it bad?

 

January 8 – DOING RIGHT

 I will make my word a part of their innermost being, writing it on their hearts, being their God, and them becoming my people. (Jeremiah 31:33)

                Do you ever hesitate to act because your worry overcomes your ambition? How often do you fear making a mistake, even as you act?

                When God spoke this promise through Jeremiah, He was talking about today. As a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit of God lives in you and works in you to do God’s will for your life. Jesus later promised that, “your Father will give good gifts (the Holy Spirit) to those who ask” (Matthew 7:11). God knows how you feel. He knows everything. He has lived in this world as a man. He lives today in your spirit if you are a follower. He calls you to trust that He loves you, and He wants the best for you.

                When you need guidance, counsel, affirmation of God’s wishes for your life, don’t worry – just ask!

January 7 – WHAT HE SAID

 If you really love me, you will learn, hold onto, honor, and keep obeying what I command. (John 14:15)

                What are your big, religious rules? Go to church? Watch your language? Give money? Join a Bible study? Maybe you even lead a fight either for some moral cause or against some sinful action.

                Jesus says, repeatedly, that you show your love for Him by doing what He says to do. Someone has compiled a list of forty-nine (49) commands that Jesus issued. Have you learned these? Do you measure your life based on them? Many people have observed that you become what you focus on; what you love. Those who focus on other things, like rules, or the cost of obeying God’s calling, can’t follow Jesus with all their hearts (Proverbs 23:7).

                It is so clever that Jesus reveals - it is by valuing His instruction to you (and by following it), that you find a loving relationship with Him, and it also is how you show Him your love.

January 6 – FOCUS

 God your Father knows your needs. Keep your focus on Him; His concerns, your relationship with Him, and what He wants from you, and you will find that all those needs are provided. (Matthew 6:32-34)

                When it is crunch time, do the people who watch you see you respond with a cool, optimistic confidence? When you focus on worries, you communicate that fear lives inside you, and a fearful leader heads a fearful organization.

                The opposite of that fearfulness is what Jesus urges. He encourages you to, “Dream God’s big, kingdom dreams for you and your people. Step out, and do what I ask of you - His concerns - in faith!” And, He says, “Realize that you always have time to spend with Me!” Your relationship with Him is always top priority. With this priority as your focus, you don’t fear some dreaded failure. The results are not your concern – only Jesus and obeying Him.

                This is the step of faith; that you take Jesus at His word, and have only one plan. Focus on Him.

January 5 – TOO MUCH? TOO LITTLE?

 I have lived without what I need in humility, and I have lived with excess provision and great esteem. Through all of this, Christ has taught and strengthened me, so I focus only on Him, regardless of my situation. (Philippians 4:12-13)

                Today, do you face a challenge of “needing?” Many have taken Paul’s words to be an encouragement to be strong in tough times. On the other hand, you may have found living with wealth and power, especially among those who admire you, is the greater challenge to your faith in Christ alone.

                Paul says he has learned that each of these extremes, as well as the drudgery of routine, day-to-day living in between, pose challenges to your ability to live the life Jesus wants you to enjoy. This message does encourage. It also gives you an answer for all when life’s circumstances threaten to distract you. Focus only on Jesus.

 Keep your focus on Jesus Christ, and you will be up to any challenge that comes. Whether you have too much or too little, Jesus will always be exactly enough.

January 4 - AFTER “COME”?

 Come here, follow me now, and I will make you become fishers of people. (Matthew 4:19)

 What is your product or service? How do you figure your bottom-line? For many people, success is measured by dollars or percentages, growth in square feet, or in numbers of people. There is usually some list of objectives or measurements that informs the work of a successful organization. Some call this management by objectives.

                Jesus introduced a new concept to Simon and Andrew. He replaced their objectives with a new process – “Follow me.” He changed their product and their bottom line too. Most importantly Jesus assumes responsibility for that new bottom line. Wow, what a relief! Finally, though, there is a cost; a price you pay for this new deal. You must give up your objectives, and simply obey Jesus.

                Are you willing to “drop your net” – your goals, your process, your measurements – and follow Jesus? Will you manage your life by simple obedience?

January 3 – A SIMPLE PROMISE

 Come to me if you are laboring and weighed down with burdens, and I will give you the rest that refreshes you. (Matthew 11:28)

                Do you ever get weary, and sometimes even feel overwhelmed? Not the public you, of course. Rather, the private one who longs to find a place to simply be at peace for a moment.

                This is a great promise! It reminds that God offers you real life – an incredible, full life He intends for you to enjoy. Jesus’ next words in this passage promise that He will replace your toiling and burdened life with something better – His work. This is what God intended. He also promises that this work will fit you. It will allow you to be who you were made to be, while living a life of freedom and peace and purpose.

                You can act on these promises today. Trade in your self-reliant anxiety and fears. Take this life Jesus offers. All you must do is, “Come.”

 

January 2 – NEW LIFE

 The work of the thief is that he takes away from you; kills and destroys everything. I came to give you full, complete, unending life; a better life than you can imagine. (John 10:10)

 Is your faith about dos and don’ts? Is following rules at the foundation of your hope? Or, do you work hard trying to do enough good deeds to accomplish God’s favor?

With this message, Jesus offers a new relationship. He offers to give you a great life, simply because that’s who He is. It is His work to change your life to one of purpose and meaning. Your work is to invite the Holy Spirit to make that change. Immediately before this assurance, Jesus explains, “I am the source – all the other roads lead to the thieves.”

To find this “full and complete” life, you learn to hear God’s voice and follow Him, closely. Follow closely enough that no thief can take you away.