We are Free to Choose

When Octavia Spencer won the Gloden Globe for best supporting actress she quoted Martin Luther King. Refering to people who serve others she said, "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance."

If we, in our humanness, can recognize that hard work and serving others has value and honor, then just consider how much more God honors us when we willingly serve Him as, messengers, and ministers sent by Him to accomplish His work (Isaiah 43:4).

We are free to choose God or to let go of Him at anytime. He gives us the freedom to let go of His hand. We don't have to do anything He says; however staying in His will is always the best choice because His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11).

Blue Letter Bible & the Gesenius Lexicon define servants as: " Servants of the king; ministers & courtiers, messengers, military captains & common soldiers." Also, "worshippers of God, and the minister or ambassador of God, called and sent by God for accomplishing some service." As we work for Him and see His blessing for others and ourselves then that makes us fall so utterly in love with Him that we voluntarily become His servants. Even a servant of servants. That is when we live and breathe God and want to please Him alone.

Isn't it interesting that when we decide to serve Him by helping others in whatever way He has lead us to serve, yet somehow through our service to others our own needs get met. It doesn't seem like it should be that way, but that is how He has designed it.

Read More: Matthew 25:14-23
Prayer: Thank you for honoring me and rewarding me for faithful service.
Plan of Action (James 1:22 & James 1:25): Make the decision to do whatever He seems to be asking you to do.

Renewal/New Beginnings

Elohim. That one hebrew word describes our Heavenly Father as God and as a Mighty Creator. It is used in Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." He is still creating today. Renewing our minds, our hearts, and our hopes. He hasn't given up on us or forsaken us no matter how bad our situation was or is. With Him we are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), we are His children (1 John 2:12), and His mercies are new everyday (Lamentations 3:23). Through this next year His Word promises that He will be with us no matter the situations we face whether good or bad.  '...for You are with me...' (Psalms 23:4).

Blue Letter Bible defines renewal as: 'renovation, complete change for the better'. God has that promise for each and every person who calls on His name (Romans 10:13). Even when we can't see any possible way He is the Mighty Creator, Elohim, who can make a way (Isaiah 43:19). Remember that God's plans are to prosper us and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11).

Great is our Lord and mighty in power... Psalms 147:5
Read More: Jonah 1-4
Prayer: God our Creator, thank you for never giving up on us and offering us hope through new beginnings.
Action Plan (James 1:22 & James 1:25):
Don't give up! Reach out to Him through prayer and He will reach in.

What Are You Looking For?

Have you heard the expression, "deep calls to deep"? I read that as deep love calls to deep need! In other words, God and His deep love for us calls us to Himself, so that He can meet our deep needs.

What are you looking for, is it hope? Maybe it's guidance, direction, answers, help, purpose, or love? Whatever it is we all have deep needs that can only be fully met in Christ. Sometimes it appears as if these things can be found in other things or even other people. Sometimes we go to things and other people because that seems to be the easiest way to get our needs met. Going to other things and people can become, like the Staples commercial demonstrates, our 'easy buttons'. However, it is only in a relationship with Jesus Christ that whatever we are looking for can truly be found.

God has already sent the answer to whatever it is we are looking for, and it is found in the reality of the Christmas message. God knew our need and out of His great love He sent His only Son. Through a relationship with Jesus we can find everything we might need; hope, guidance, direction, answers, help, purpose and great love! He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us (John 3:16).

Read more:
Luke 2:1-20
Prayer:
Thank You Father for the gift of Your Son. I know that like any other relationship, a relationship with Jesus takes some work. Father, help me to seek Him with all my heart.

Plan of Action:
Set aside time to pray everyday.