Our Calling

We spend a lot of time seeking to understand our purpose in life. Big decisions come throughout our lives and determine how well we fulfill our purpose as we understand it. Sometimes our purpose is clear to us and other times it seems to evade us. Jesus understood His purpose when He came to earth. His purpose was prophesied by Isaiah and declared by Jesus Himself.

Isaiah 61:1-2 says, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Jesus’ birth reminds us that He came to seek and to save those who are lost. As part of this mission, He preaches the good news of salvation, heals the brokenhearted, frees believers from the sins that hold us captive, and brings God’s favor upon those who believe.

Glory Seekers

The Cambridge Dictionary defines “glory” as “great admiration, honor, and praise that you earn by achieving something.” Through their achievements, many people seek glory and the attention of other people. We only have to watch a football game to see this played out. A player scores a touchdown and immediately plays to the crowd by pounding his chest and pointing to himself, as if his teammates were inconsequential to his success. The word “glory”, as used in the Bible, instead refers to importance, weight, deference, honor, and majesty.

John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” While some people seek glory through their achievements, God is the only person to possess glory within His own nature. We observe His glory through His grace and truth, which He demonstrated in His Son, Jesus Christ. His majesty rules over heaven and earth.

Released in Power

Sometimes I have something to say, but it seems to get caught up within me somehow and I am unable to say it. Emotions can be the same way. They may well up within me but I am not able to express them or accurately express them.

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Joy and peace are released in us by believing in Jesus Christ. It is the power of the Holy Spirit working within us that creates hope for today and for forever. He gives us the power and freedom to express ourselves according to God’s will fully and accurately under His inspiration and influence.

Best Offer on Black Friday

We have been inundated with offers for Black Friday sales and the day is finally upon us. Millions will be going online or finding their way to the stores for the best offers. What a great day for retailers! But the best offer is not found in stores or online.

Isaiah 46:12-13 says, “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness: I bring my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay.” Sometimes we stubbornly reject God’s righteousness. But He still brings His salvation and righteousness near to us, waiting for us to respond to His offer of mercy. What will we say to His offer today?

Thanksgiving Words

Sometimes, I am appalled at the words that come out of my mouth. Words of complaining, blaming, criticizing, and impatience seem to flow easily. On the other hand, words of encouragement, blessing, thanks, and praise seem to choke in my mouth and my mind. Why is it easier to speak destructive words rather than constructive words?

Ephesians 5:18-20 says, “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making me lody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father.” Let our speech always be blessings and encouragement to all people along with thanksgiving and praise to God. The key is to call upon the power of the Holy Spirit to change our hearts, from where the words flow. Then the words we speak will become uplifting and honoring to man and to God.