Faith's Priority ~ 2020 Vision of God's Plan and Purpose

As the new year approaches, you may begin to assess what could possibly be different for the days ahead. Some people promise themselves and others they will strive to make significant changes concerning their health, finances and relationships. They set goals with every good intention of seeing them through to completion.

Stated another way that interjects Christ Jesus into the process, what could be your faith’s priority for the coming year? On many levels, faith’s priority is anchored to God’s plan and purpose for your life. If you are uncertain about your future, why not ask God to reveal to you, in ways you can understand, what that purpose is?

Faith’s priorities are more about God’s purpose and plan than about selfish motives and personal achievements that can never be completely satisfied. When faith’s priority enters the equation, God’s insight and wisdom are infused into every aspect of the process. Imagine the very presence of Jesus Christ giving you guidance and purpose for every new day of the year.  

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For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

~Jeremiah 29:11 The Living Bible

Our purpose is to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of others.

~2 Corinthians 8:21 Good News Bible

May the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will, and may he, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him. And to Christ be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

~Hebrews 13:21 Good News Bible

Faith's Priority ~ 2020 Vision of God's Presence

The Christmas holidays soon will end, indicating that the beginning of a new year is upon us. Some believe this will be a pivotal year for our country politically, socially and spiritually. With political opponents contending for your attention and vote for the 2020 election, what can be your faith’s priority as you face the future?

Faith’s priorities are not New Year’s resolutions that soon may be forgotten. Faith’s priority connects with the plan and purpose of God Almighty for your life, what you’re thinking, believing and wanting. God desires for you to be aware of his constant presence to guide, inform and bless you.

Faith’s priority means God is first, above everything that will confront you daily. Ask Jesus to give you the desire to love Him in the presence of everything you face. Jesus will give you help, strength and faith to be God’s voice wherever you are. This is not a New Year’s resolution, but a desire to celebrate God’s continual presence in your life.                                                                       

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The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

~Exodus 33:14 New International Version

You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence.

~Psalm 16:11 The Living Bible

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

~1 Chronicles 16:11 English Standard Version

Faith's Priorities at Christmas

It only takes a moment to re-center your faith’s priorities on what will matter for all eternity. Does that sound a bit difficult if your Christmas Day seems full of chaos? Perhaps your day hasn’t been that bad, but right now it’s pretty stressful. This can be the time for you to refocus and think of who Jesus is and what He means to you.

God’s Word whispers that His name is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.” Re-center your mind of these names and let them find a resting place in your heart. Jesus said, “My peace I give you,” and his strong peace is for eternity. What a wonderful gift! Now God bless and keep you, and Merry Christmas!   

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6 New International Version

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

~Luke 2:11 New International Version

Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others.

~Philippians 2:9 Contemporary English Version

I pray that out of the glorious riches of his resources he will enable you to know the strength of the Spirit’s inner reinforcement – that Christ may actually live in your hearts by your faith.

~Ephesians 3:16-17 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

Faith's Priority ~ Prince of Peace

What does Christmas actually mean to you? What real importance does it hold in your heart and soul? Is Christmas the time to be happy and joyful, eat good foods, visit friends and family and give special gifts? What about those who can’t reach such wonderful goals because obstacles seem insurmountable and permanent?

 

In spite of these problems for living, powerful faith priorities can separate the darkness from the light. These unique faith priorities say that only Jesus is the source of light and peace. Even where there is grief and sorrow, Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace, to heal the brokenhearted and be a comforter for those who are alone. God bless you and keep you!  

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called … Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6 New International Version

Because the heart of our God is full of mercy towards us, the first light of Heaven shall come to visit us – to shine on those who lie in darkness and under the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the path of peace.

~Luke 1:78-79 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,

Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

~Luke 2:13-14 The Message

The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm.

~Isaiah 26:3 Contemporary English Version

Faith's Priority ~ Everlasting Father

The majority of human beings have a list of priorities that guide their lives. What has influenced your list of priorities that guide you through the Christmas holidays? It is so easy to be pressured into believing gift-giving is more important than our relationships with those to whom the gifts will be given. We should not believe or accept that – but just listen those TV commercials!

What can we discover about faith’s priorities that intend to keep joy and God’s everlasting love in all activities, that ring out the Good News that Jesus has come to be Savior, Redeemer and Everlasting Father? We demonstrate faith’s priority when we emphasize God so loved us, He gave His ultimate best to save us. Merry Christmas! 

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called … Everlasting Father...

~Isaiah 9:6 New International Version

You will conceive and have a son, and you will call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the most high God. And the Lord will give Him the throne of His ancestor David. He and His kingdom will never end.

~Luke 1:31-33 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

~John 3:16 New King James Version

And be sure of this – that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

~Matthew 28:20 The Living Bible

Faith's Priority ~ Mighty God

What’s included in your list of priorities as you prepare for this wonderful time of the year? If you were to list them in order of their priority, would they be doable with joy, or a bit overwhelming? Faith’s priority for Christmas means that nothing supersedes what the Almighty God intended with the birth of Christ Jesus.    

 

So what does it mean to have faith in order for priorities to be set and maintained? Faith means to have complete trust and confidence that our Mighty God is at work in his world to bring about His plan for the salvation of all humankind through His Son Christ Jesus. May this be your confidence, your trust and priority as you celebrate Jesus, the Mighty God. May God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called … Mighty God…

~Isaiah 9:6 New International Version

For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.

~Luke 1:49 New American Standard Bible

This wonderful knowledge comes from the Lord All-Powerful, who has such great wisdom.

~Isaiah 28:29 Contemporary English Version

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

~Zephaniah 3:17 New International Version

Faith's Priority ~ Wonderful Counselor

 What does it mean to set faith’s priority for the Christmas holidays? A priority gives something an honorable place in the order of your life. What is faith’s priority for the Christmas holidays? It’s following Jesus’ lead and counsel in wonder and awe, trust and faith. Consider: What does the Birth of Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor mean to you?

God gave us Jesus, a gift that should not be minimized by distractions. Multitudes of interruptions try to disrupt our commitment to our Wonderful Counselor, who deserves first place in our life. So faith’s priority gives maximum importance to demonstrating your love, faith and gratitude for God’s precious gift, His Son Jesus. Merry Christmas! God bless you! 

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor...

~Isaiah 9:6 New International Version

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him,

The spirit of wisdom and understanding,

The spirit of counsel and strength,

The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

~Isaiah 11:2 New American Standard Bible

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of he Father’s one and only Son.

~John 1:14 New Living Translation

Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father.

~Galatians 4:6 Contemporary English Version

Forgiveness Revisited

When C. S. Lewis lay dying, his final thoughts were on forgiveness. He was struggling to forgive a cruel and harsh elementary teacher from his childhood. He had forgiven this individual as a young man and again as a middle-aged adult and now felt compelled to complete the task before he breathed his final breath.

What is incredibly important to understand about C. S. Lewis’ experience is that forgiveness is being completed at various stages throughout life. C. S. Lewis could never forget the trauma he experienced from this teacher. He understood that the only way to let go of the bitterness was to forgive him for the pain he felt so deeply.

It's often at the crossroads of adult development where forgiveness needs to be revisited. God’s wisdom and compassion aid us in forgiving at a deeper level. As Lewis lay dying, he again offered forgiveness to the person responsible for his suffering. The Holy Spirit brings to our awareness what needs to be forgiven so we can have a clear conscience.  

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It is truly wonderful when the people of God live together in peace.

~Psalm 133:1 Contemporary English Version

When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair. You should make them sure of your love for them.

~2 Corinthians 2:7-8 Contemporary English Version

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 New International Version

To Forgive Is Divine

Alexander Pope the English poet wrote, "to forgive is divine," meaning God's attitude is reflected in us when we forgive those who have hurt us. What makes forgiveness difficult is we want to be sure the wrongdoer doesn't get off Scot-free. If God exercised justice and gave us what we deserved, there would no hope for us.

Failure to forgive is akin to “sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind.” Jesus told about a man who owed an outlandish debt but was unable to pay it. He begged for mercy and the lender forgave the entire debt. The forgiven man then called in a small loan owed to him and had the person thrown in prison when he couldn’t pay up.

That behavior represents justice without mercy. When the first lender heard about the second lender’s behavior, he withdrew his forgiveness and sent that man to prison. That's what it means to "sow the wind and reap the whirlwind." Forgiveness coupled with gratitude cleanses the heart, mind and spirit.  

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Don’t be misled; remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it: a man will always reap just the kind of crop he sows! If he sows to please his own wrong desires, he will be planting seeds of evil and he will surely reap a harvest of spiritual decay and death; but if he plants the good things of the Spirit, he will reap the everlasting life which the Holy Spirit gives him. 

~Galatians 6:7-8 The Living Bible

Light shines in the darkness for good people, for those who are merciful, kind, and just.

~Psalm 112:4 Good News Bible

Take Courage, My Friend

Great challenges demand extraordinary courage. Amos was an Old Testament prophet who received such a challenge. He was unable to attend the Institute for Prophets and was not the son of a prophet. When the Lord God called him, he was a shepherd who also cared for sycamore trees.

Leaving home and family took courage. All Amos possessed was the assurance of God’s call plus these words from Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise gave him courage to face those who refused to believe he was a prophet called by God.

The high priest tried to humiliate Amos by rejecting the fact that God gave him a message to preach to Israel. Amos had a lot to forgive, but God gave him courage never to compromise his calling. God enabled Amos to remain faithful by giving him courage, a virtue and character trait that empowered him to stand firm against all detractors.  

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Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong. Show love in everything you do.

~1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Contemporary English Version

Wait for the Lord;

Be strong and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for the Lord.

~Psalm 27:14 New American Standard Bible

Seeking Valuable Pearls

Throughout history God has challenged men and women to be courageous and press on to new heights of achievement. "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me in Christ Jesus," was the Apostle Paul’s greatest challenge. It takes tremendous courage to make significant changes in life.

What seem like small changes to a mature Christian may appear monstrous for the new Christian, especially when friends are encouraging that person to return to the old lifestyle. It's little wonder that courage ranks high on the list of virtues to be sought after when faced with changes that seem out of bounds.

Jesus told a story about a man who found a pearl of great value and immediately sold all he had to purchase it. Courage and wisdom are pearls of great value to be sought after, for they will enable you to seek forgiveness for failures as well as the need to be forgiving. God will give you courage to press on toward the goal of fulfilling his purpose for you.   

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Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. And though it cost all you have, get understanding.

~Proverbs 4:6-7 New International Version

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, “God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?”

~Hebrews 13:5-6 The Message 

Fill in the Blank: "_______ Made Me Do It!"

TV news consistently reports on individuals who have violently acted out against others. Statements like, "I was angry," are given as an excuse for acts of aggression. However, there are no rationalizations that excuse unacceptable behavior. Everyone will want to blame others when they fail to live up to what's expected.

The comedian Flip Wilson is remembered for his infamous line, "The devil made me do it!" Even if it were true, we're still held accountable for submitting to temptation. As the day of reckoning approaches, everyone must assume responsibility for their choices or else it will be impossible to receive forgiveness.

 

It's at this juncture where the virtue of courage plays a major role in facing responsibility. What Jesus said in Matthew 14:27 to his disciples, he says to us when we’re stressed out or afraid: "Take courage, it is I. Don’t be afraid." Keeping Jesus as the center of your focus gives courage to face what is fearful and difficult.  

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O loving and kind God, have mercy. Have pity upon me and take away the awful stain of my transgressions. Oh, wash me, cleanse me from this guilt. Let me be pure again. For I admit my shameful deed – it haunts me day and night.

~Psalm 51:1-3 The Living Bible

The Lord is not slow about his promise, in the sense in which some think about slowness, but he is really dealing patiently with you, because he is not willing for any to perish but for all to have an opportunity to repent.

~2 Peter 3:9 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

Reflections of Christ in You

A line from a popular song expressed this truth, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." We could add, people who have a forgiving attitude are the happiest people, for God has given them peace. Anyone who is forgiving has it within their heart and soul to practice the virtue of goodness.

The Talmud, a collection of rabbinical writings that date from the first century, lists seven virtues that minister before the Throne of God. These virtues are: Wisdom, Justice, Righteousness, Kindness, Compassion, Truth and Peace.  The implication is that those who practice these virtues do so with God’s highest approval.

It's important to remember that as one of these virtues is put into action, it reflects the character of all the others. Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:35 that “a good man brings out the good stored up in himself.” Keep in mind that if forgiveness is to play a major role in your relationships, it must reflect the goodness made possible by Christ Jesus in you.  

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Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see – how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.

~Psalm 34:8 The Message

For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us!

~2 Corinthians 5:21 The Living Bible

And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.

~Ephesians 3:17 The Living Bible

Goodness Reflects Courage

The willingness to practice forgiveness is more than a learned behavior. To be successful, forgiveness must originate from within the goodness of a person and be accepted as a virtue. A virtue like honesty seldom exists as an independent entity but harmonizes with other virtues such as courage.

Aristotle ranked courage at the top of his list of important virtues. A virtue is a character strength that reflects integrity, moral steadfastness and spiritual commitment. C. S. Lewis said, "Right actions done for the wrong reasons do not help build the internal quality or character called a virtue." However, courage provides an incentive to do what is right, even when it isn't easy to do so.

You may be in a position to forgive a person who doesn't deserve it, but you do it as a courageous act of goodness. If a predisposition exists within you to practice goodness, then you will be encouraged to practice forgiveness. God wants you to have a clean heart, full of compassion with courage enough to seek forgiveness and to be forgiving.  

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Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.

~Deuteronomy 31:10 The Living Bible

If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good.

~Romans 12:17 Good News Bible

Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act.

~Ezra 10:4 New American Standard Bible

Goodness and Forgiveness: Lost Virtues?

Aristotle named four virtues that promote goodness: courage, justice, self-control, and wisdom. To these four add forgiveness. Have goodness and forgiveness lost their place in our society? A virtue should reflect goodness, integrity, righteousness and honesty. Galatians 5:22 ranked goodness as a Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

We've heard of people being characterized as having a good heart. The attribute of goodness is intimately connected to a person who also practices forgiveness. This person refuses to hold on to a grudge or keep a lists of wrongs that have been endured. Whoever possesses goodness will consequently practice forgiveness.

Goodness as an attribute of personality will balance what matters for the moment with what matters for the future. The virtues of goodness and forgiveness are given importance by remembering it is by God’s goodness and mercy and the righteousness of Christ Jesus that we have purpose and significance for living this life.  

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Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me perfectly good? No one is perfectly good but God himself.”

~Luke 18:19 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

~Ephesians 2:10 Contemporary English Version

Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.
~1 Corinthians 13:5 The Living Bible

Released to Live and to Love

Forgiveness builds a bridge to a healthier life by providing a release from bitterness and sin that have created hardships for the body, mind and spirit. Failure to forgive, or be forgiving, is connected to an attitude of anger and bitterness that is so powerful it affects the body’s ability to fight illness.

Jesus healed a paralyzed man in the Gospel of Mark by telling him his sins were forgiven. Jesus knew that guilt and shame are like a prison, so forgiveness gave the paralyzed man freedom to begin a new phase of life with a new purpose.

As the man walked away forgiven and healed, perhaps he could say with Saint Francis of Assisi, "Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me love. Where there is injury, help me pardon; where there is doubt, increase my faith; where there is despair, grant me hope; where there is darkness, let me be a light; where there is sadness, let me express joy." If you are seeking forgiveness, let this be your prayer. God bless you today.  

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In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,

But you would have none of it…

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

~Isaiah 30:15, 18 New International Version

Lord, you alone can heal me, you alone can save, and my praises are for you alone.

~Jeremiah 17:14 The Living Bible