January 8, 2016

Read Romans 12:2Ephesians 4:1

 
Recently, one of our granddaughters participated in a church sponsored Bible Drill, and because of her hard work and dedication to the challenge,  she ended up in the state finals. Now, Grandad also remembers, as a young lad, participating in the same Bible Drill competition, but didn’t end up quite as high in the drill as his granddaughter. 
 
I can remember that moment when the word “charge” was given. You immediately put into practice all of the skills you had worked on, week after week, to be the first person to step out quickly with the right verse of scripture.
 
Facing the New Year, in some ways, is like participating in a Bible Drill.  And the final results depend on how we have prepared ourselves during the year. Scripture is filled with what we may label as “charges” or “commands.” From Genesis to Revelation God, through His messengers, instructs us as to how we are to live out our Christian faith.   
 
Paul “charges” us in Romans not to copy the behavior of this world, but to allow God to transform us into a new person by changing the way we think. He also “charges” us  in Ephesians to “live a life that is worthy of our high calling.” In the weeks ahead, our pastor will be challenging us with similar “charges”, preparing us for this new year ahead of us.
 
With the  direction of the Holy Spirit, may we all end up in the “state finals.”
 


Beginning 2016 with Prayer

Pray for Your Communication

Grant me Your wisdom when addressing difficult situations.  Allow me to clearly hear your voice. Give me spiritual wisdom that You freely give. Teach me to speak truth in love Let my words and actions reflect your spirit; compassionate, humble, patient, gentle, and kind.

James 1:5; Ephesians 1:18, 4:15; Isaiah 11:2; Colossians 3:12