Faith's Priority ~ 2020 Vision of Sharing Your Faith

What are your main priorities for this New Year? This can be a year of significant changes, so it can be a time of uncertainty for the nation. As believers in Christ Jesus, what are your hopes for yourself, your family and God’s family? Millions of people place their hopes in a political party and a presidential candidate.

Have you asked yourself, “What about faith’s priorities? What is God’s purpose and plan for America and all its people for this year?” Most of us have expectations and hopes that attempt to cancel out our fears and anxieties. We may be tempted to take up a banner against those who are different.

 

Especially in times of uncertainty, the banner of Jesus Christ encourages us to hold to God’s unchanging hand for faith and his guidance. God sent Jesus to seek and to save those who are lost, so faith’s priority could be for you to share your faith in Christ Jesus with others. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” What a great expectation!  

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God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others. What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace.

~2 Corinthians 5:18-20 Contemporary English Version

Our children too shall serve him, for they shall hear from us about the wonders of the Lord; generations yet unborn shall hear of all the miracles he did for us.

~Psalm 22:30-31 The Living Bible

So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.

~Hebrews 12:1-2 Good News Bible

Faith's Priority ~ 2020 Vision of Patience for Peace

Finding peace in a world filled with anger and hate does not come easy. Just listening to any newscast can be upsetting. Jesus said, “In this world you will hear of wars and rumors of wars,” and I would say that is true for today. Is it possible to be guided by faith’s priorities including peace and patience?

Of what do faith’s priorities consist for Christians who want to avoid conflict and live in peace? Conflict has always been a part of a human being’s nature whether in the family or in the world outside. Conflict arises within churches and may cause them to disintegrate and die.

Yet God will not be silenced. He calls out peacemakers and empowers them with language that can calm the troubled heart and cause men to be accommodating and seek peace. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that “We are his handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Happy New Year!  

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You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills before you will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!

~Isaiah 55:12 New Living Translation

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

~John 14:27 The Living Bible

Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. Remember your reward! You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises.

~Hebrews 10:35-36 Good News Bible

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

With so much contentiousness in our country promoted by political parties and the media turmoil, what should be a faith priority of every Christian who inhabits our country? A priority has an urgency about it to be understood and abided by because of the importance attached to its purpose.

Faith’s priority goes straight to what Jesus encourages us to do, and that is to be peacemakers. To be a peacemaker when so many clamor for their way, regardless of the cost to the majority who make up society, is – I admit – difficult or even scary to do. Yet God calls the peacemakers his children.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” but how can you do it and not be identified as someone out of the loop with your crowd? Peace has to be faith’s priority wherever you are. You do this by speaking God’s word, his scriptures, and not by yelling out your opinion, not by engaging in arguments that cannot be resolved. “A soft answer turns away wrath.”  Happy New Year!  

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God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!

~Matthew 5:9 Contemporary English Version

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.

~James 3:18 The Living Bible

Faith's Priority ~ 2020 Vision of Trust in God

Do you believe on this New Year's Day that the new year can offer a fresh start for your life? If so, have you promised to make lifestyle changes to ensure that a fresh start has a chance for success? Your fresh start has a chance for a positive outcome and success provided you inaugurate Christian faith’s priorities into the action to be taken. 

What do Christian faith’s priorities include? Trusting in God to give you wisdom to choose what to include in your fresh start will determine if your journey will be successful. Trust is essential for activating faith that keeps you on the path when the way grows narrow and distractions abound.

What is an essential faith priority that holds you steady when the way becomes filled with obstacles? Essential is a heartfelt belief that the presence of God will keep you from falling away or giving up when it’s impossible to see what lies ahead. God promises never to leave or abandon you regardless of what you encounter, so keep pressing onward. God keeps his promises.  Happy New Year! 

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Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

~Psalm 143:8 New International Version

You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.

Trust in the Lord forever; he will always protect us.

~Isaiah 26:3-4 Good News Bible

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