Who or What are You Voting for this Year?

Who or What are You Voting for this Year?

In 2018, James Clear’s book called, “Atomic Habits” was released and became best seller. The book was listed as one of Fast Company’s best-selling business books of 2018.

On page 38, James Clear makes the statement, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” To expound on the point, Dr. Raymond McHenry says, “You may not want to be financially strapped, but overspending demonstrates you’re actually voting for escalating debt. That second helping of dessert probably doesn’t seem significant, but it’s really a vote for weight gain.”

In the same light, when we read or study from God’s word, we are working toward a greater relationship with the Almighty. When we fellowship with the saints, we are working to build a greater relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Your attendance at services shows that you are desiring a greater relationship with God and your spiritual family.

If James Clear’s words are true, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become”, then what type of person receives your vote?

  • Do your actions show that you are voting to become a greater person? (Consider Philippians 4.8)
  • Do your actions show that you are voting for a greater relationship with your spiritual family? (Consider Hebrews 10.24-25)
  • Do your actions show that you are voting for a changed life and a better hope? (Consider 1 Peter 2.9-10)

If your actions were votes, what or who are you voting for this year?

Just some thoughts,

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A New Year and a New Progression

A New Year and a New Progression

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,

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Two Daily Bible Reading Programs

Two Daily Bible Reading Programs

The new year is approaching! Are you ready?

A few years ago I found a couple daily Bible reading schedules and developed some study questions each week for them. This year I want to share the questions with you each week to assist you in your studies.

Once of these studies takes its daily Bible reading from five passages from different sections of the Bible. There is one passages for each day. By the end of the year following this reading program, you will have read throughout the entire Bible.

The second study allows one to begin in the Gospel of Matthew and read to Revelation in 26 weeks. Following this plan will cover the entire New Testament in 6 months.

 

Note: I do not have a copy of the particular reading schedule charts that I developed these questions from several years ago.  If you are familiar with them, let me know. I would like to have a copy of the charts again. Thank you.

Here is the Full Bible Reading Schedule

To download a PDF of the questions: Click Here!

Here is the 26 Week New Testament Reading Schedule

To download a PDF of the questions: Click Here!

I hope your studies will be great and these simple guides can aid you in your studies.

Just some thoughts,

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Where Have You Left Jesus – Sermon Powerpoint

Where Have You Left Jesus – Sermon Powerpoint

During the Christmas season, many people will leave Jesus at the manger.

Where have you left Jesus?

To view the PowerPoint of the lesson below, click the arrows and the bottom. Once you click the arrow, give it a moment to change the slide before clicking again.

 

Just some thoughts,

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What Would Make You Give Up Being a Christian?

What Would Make You Give Up Being a Christian?

Before you read on, take note that the only thing that “makes” us give up being a Christian is us. While one might blame other things, people or teachings, the fact is that it is one’s decision. Various factors may affect our decision, but ultimately, the decision is still our responsibility.

With that in mind, consider the findings from Amy Black. Dr. Black is a political science professor at Wheaton College in Illinois, and the author of Honoring God in Red or Blue. She earned her Ph.D. in political science at MIT and is a leader in research on the intersection of religion and politics.

In a 2019 interview, Dr. Black shared the following disconcerting information: “Studies show that party identity is even stronger than religious identity for many people. That means many ‘Christians’ would stop being a Christian before they stopped being a Democrat or Republican.” She paused and then added, “Think about that.”

For a moment, think about that.

When Christ takes second place to politics or anything else, the results will not be good.

What would make you give up being a Christian?

Politics? Sports? Work? Fame? Fortune?

May we find the strength of faith that will allow us to place Christ at the forefront of all.

Just some thoughts,

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