Well, here we go! 2020 is upon us whether we were expecting it or not.
This year will be filled with countless blessings, renewed spirits and a desire to grow closer to God each day.
At the beginning of this year, some people will give themselves a new start and a set of achievements they want to see happen by this time next year. Some call the resolutions, some call them resolves, others call them goals. Whatever the description, allow me to share with you a few that will help you on your spiritual journey of 2020.
First, understand that God wants you to do well in 2020. God is still the same and He desires a relationship with you. God wants you to draw closer to Him and depend upon Him. He wants to bless you.
What Does God Want From Me In 2019?
God wants you to come to Him. “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
God wants to give you His mercy. “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10)
God wants to give you His grace. “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6)
God wants you to be victorious. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
God wants to give you a home. “…Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)
If you understand that God wants you to be close to Him, what is stopping you from drawing near to Him?
Do you want to know what is stopping you?
Are you ready?
What Can You Do in 2020?
Remember, no matter what the year, the month or the day, God still wants you. It is His desire for you to have the greatest gift one could consider; a home with Him forever.
#1 – Attend all the services you can.
One of the best ways you can grow spiritually, is to be with the saints. You need the saints and the saints need you. God desires that His children encourage one another and grow together. Make it a priority to gather with your brothers and sisters.
#2 – Open your Bible and dig into it.
The Bible is a treasure map leading you to the greatest gift the world may ever know. God, the Creator of the World, has given you the gift of salvation, will you open it and dig into it.
#3 – Find a way to serve.
Have you taken the steps to serve your fellow man? God has asked that we serve one another. You can serve others by a variety of ways: send someone a card, send them a text, bake them cookies or a cake. Your service could be “small things” or “big things” but your heart must be in the service you have for others.
#4 – Surround Yourself with Christians
To make your weekend go better, especially, your Sunday, surround yourself with Christians. As you plan for services, plan to meet with your church family after services. Be the one to step up and invite people to gather together. A quick example is inviting people to eat together following services. If money is tight, invite everyone to chip in and have them at your house. (think of it as a potluck meal)
#5 – Pray
This weekend, schedule four times to offer quick prayers. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you of your scheduled prayer time. The weekends give us more time or more relaxed time, and this can be a great moment to pray.
Each Day
Each day, we have the opportunity to get better. Some take advantage of this opportunity every day and other let the opportunity slide by without notice. I encourage you to be a person to take advantage of the moment.
What about the advantage you have in Christ?
I typically call it an opportunity, but for a moment think of it as an advantage. Here are a few of the advantages you have as a Christian:
- The forgiveness of sins (Matthew 6.12-14; Luke 5.21-24; Acts 2.38; Acts 8.22)
- The ability to live forever (John 3.15; John 6.47; Romans 2.7; Titus 1.2)
- Prayer (Matthew 6.9-13; Acts 8.22; Ephesians 6.18; 1 Thessalonians 5.17)
- Someone who cares (Matthew 11.28-30; 1 Peter 5.7)
- Fellowship (Acts 2.42; 1 Corinthians 1.9; 2 Corinthians 13.14; 1 John 1.3-7)
Have you taken advantage of the benefits of Christ?
More than that, are you taking advantage of the benefits in Christ?
Just some thoughts,
