Hearts Will Be Revealed
Luke 2:34-35 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Matthew 3:1-12 Bible Study
Imagine a new shopping mall opening in your town. Word spreads quickly, and anticipation builds as the opening day approaches. Curious crowds gather, and the first visitors are met by a greeter. This greeter doesn't just direct them to the stores but tells them that a VIP guest will soon arrive. The guests must be ready to meet this person, who will significantly impact their shopping experience and perhaps their lives. Now, consider how you would prepare for such an important encounter. Click on Read More to continue
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.