Steadfast Perseverance
“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” – James 5:10-11 (NIV)
Realize Our Commitment With Our Participation
It is one thing to say we believe in God’s vision; it is quite another to participate in the vision that God is giving us. In my years of ministry, the people with the most complaints were invariably the people who were the least involved in the church's work. Do you know why that is? Those who sit on the sidelines and don’t roll up their sleeves and help to fulfill the vision cannot focus on what God is doing in our midst.
WE NEED TO SEE OURSELVES AS GOD SEES US
We have heard what God says to us; now, we need to see ourselves as God sees us after we have become Christians and He has become our Father. Psychologists tell us that a child’s belief in themselves is deeply influenced by their interpretation of how their parents view them, for example - Self-Worth and Confidence. Positive reinforcement, love, and encouragement from parents help build a child’s self-worth and confidence. Children who believe their parents see them as capable and valuable are likelier to develop healthy self-esteem.
God Has Three Things to Say
As we move into the new year, I believe God wants to encourage us to expand our thinking beyond our usual limits and inspire us to imagine a brighter future. God has three things to say and wants you to believe Him. I encourage you to write these down and keep them where you can easily find them. Then, when you are at the end of your rope, pull them out and read them to yourself.
Tuesday – December 24, 2024
"Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen." (Romans 16:25-27, NIV)