Change

January 22nd – 1 Corinthians 6:14

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1 Corinthians 6:14

To justify continuing to live a sinful lifestyle after receiving Jesus as their Savior, Corinthian Christians would say,”Foods for the stomach and the stomach for food.” Meaning it wasn’t a big deal to give their body anything it wanted. After all, they were free from the law. But the Apostle Paul was quick to correct their wrongful thinking. Because as Christians, our bodies are meant for a higher purpose. To honor the Lord. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, sacred vessels deserving of respect, love, and honor. And as such, the choices we make should reflect love, purity, and gratitude for the divine dwelling within us. We dishonor God with our bodies when we engage in actions that violate His moral principles. From indulging in harmful, immoral behaviors, to neglecting our well-being. Honoring God with our bodies is an expression of gratitude for the precious gift of life and a recognition of His presence within us. And one day, our bodies will be raised in glory. They will be incorruptible, marvelous, and the perfect likeness of Jesus!

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January 21st – Ezekiel 36:26

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Ezekiel 36:26

We are all born selfish. Self preservation, and self interest are hardwired into our biology. As babies we cry to have our needs met. And as children we throw tantrums when we don’t get our way. Sadly, some people never grow from this state of self centered to selflessness. Sadder still, the attitude of “me first” is celebrated by the world in which we live. But that’s no way for Christians to live. We follow Jesus Christ. The One who sacrificed everything to give us everything. And our hearts should overflow with gratitude for the love He so generously gives. Because the love of Jesus is amazing. It has the power to change us from selfish individuals to selfless servants of others. It inspires us to look beyond our own needs and see the struggles and pain of those around us. And as we experience and His love and compassion, we’ll find our hearts grow with empathy, kindness, and a genuine desire to serve and uplift others. We’ll be reshaped into His image and lead a life of love that truly glorifies Him.

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January 20th – Hebrews 13:8

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Hebrews 13:8

Each January 1st carries with it the excitement of a clean slate, a fresh start, and a new beginning. It marks the start of another year filled with the certainty of love and loss, triumph and tragedy, and joy and sorrow. Yet no matter what 2024 may hold, whatever change this new year ushers in, we can rest assured that the one thing we can count on to always remain the same is Jesus. For the Lord we serve is constant in His character, love, and promises. So as we step into the unknown of a new year, we find comfort in the unchanging nature of our Creator. Who is a source of stability in the midst of life’s transitions. It is in this steadfast assurance that we discover courage, hope, and the unwavering certainty that God’s faithfulness will accompany us through every moment of the coming year. With thankful hearts we see His loving promises endure. Offering a steadfast foundation on which we can build our hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the days ahead.

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January 19th – 2 Peter 3:9

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2 Peter 3:9

As the world grows darker, I find myself crying out more often, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” Because it’s hard for me to understand why He waits. But thankfully, my timing isn’t God’s. And His patient desire for all to come to repentance and receive His gift of eternal life, speaks of His awesome love and gift of change and second chances. It reveals a compassionate Creator who offers the blessings of time and opportunities for transformation. This invites us to embrace change not only in ourselves but in others. All with the understanding that God’s patience grants second chances to every seeking heart. It’s a call to navigate life with hope. Knowing that each moment presents a chance to turn towards God and receive the grace of a second opportunity. In moments of doubt or discouragement, 2 Peter 3:9 stands as a beacon, affirming that change is not only possible but anticipated by a merciful and patient Creator. One who offers us a chance for renewal and a fresh start.

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January 18th – Numbers 14:1

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Numbers 14:1

There’s no two ways about it. Change is hard, messy, and painful. That’s why so many of us stay stuck where we are. Because often it’s easier to deal with demon you know, than the one you don’t. I think about the Israelites. They take a lot of flack from people who don’t understand why they didn’t enter the promised land running with excitement and yelling for joy. But put yourself in their shoes. The generation to enter Canaan was a protected one. For forty years all they knew was a life of peace and plenty under the care of God. Now they were being called to become mighty warriors in His army. To go from a people with a faith, to a people with a mission. A call given to us as well. God doesn’t want us to be stuck in mediocrity. Or to be content with merely having a lukewarm faith. He wants us to become people with a mission. To allow His loving grace to transform us into battle ready soldiers. Ones working for His kingdom and glory, spreading His message of love and eternal life to a desperate, and often hostile, world.

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January 17th – James 1:1

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James 1:1

We all know people who are slaves to the grind, or a slave to love. But not James. James is a slave of God and the Lord, Jesus Christ. Serving his beloved Savior not in bondage, but in a liberating devotion. Finding purpose, joy, and fulfillment in serving the One whose love set him free. I want to be a James. I want to change from being a casual follower of Jesus to a dedicated servant. But the call to be a slave to Jesus involves a profound commitment. It means being willing to relinquish control and allow our faith to bear fruit. James invites us to not merely believe, but to become active participants in a faith journey that yields the fruits of love, obedience, and a life surrendered to Jesus. It prompts us to reconsider the nature of our faith and invites us to make intentional changes. Ones that result in a more profound and fruitful connection with our Savior. The joy of being a slave to Jesus is found in surrendering to His love and discovering true freedom in His grace.

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January 16th – 1 John 4:18

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1 John 4:18

Change isn’t easy. And facing the unknown is scary. But perfect love, as described in 1 John 4:18, acts as a shield against the fear of change. Because when we’re rooted in God’s unwavering love, we have all we need to embrace new beginnings without the anxiety that change often brings. With fear cast out, we have the courage needed for our journey of renewal and fresh starts. If each morning we surrender our day to God, we can embrace the freshness of the day without being stuck by the shackles of fear. And in the beauty of God’s perfect love, the prospect of a new beginning becomes not just a possibility but a reality to be embraced with faith and assurance. So as we step into uncharted territory, we can do so confidently. Because our path is illuminated by the radiant light of God’s perfect love, giving us the courage of a transformed and hopeful tomorrow. Courage to claim the promises of new beginnings that unfold when God’s love takes center stage in our hearts.

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January 15th – Joshua 6:20

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Joshua 6:20

We often build walls of self defense that we believe offer us a place safety. But ironically, they can become the very barriers that hinder our growth and progress. Embracing change and moving forward requires the courage to tear down these self-imposed walls, allowing us to step into the limitless possibilities of new beginnings. That’s why I love the story of Jericho and it’s fall. Their defensive walls crumbled at the sound of the Israelites’ obedience to God’s command. This powerful narrative resonates with the assurance that God, in His might, can tear down the seemingly insurmountable walls that hinder our progress. Just as the walls of Jericho fell, God stands ready to demolish the barriers in our lives that block our journey toward new beginnings. This verse embodies the transformative power of faith and obedience. For it reminds us that with God on our side, even the strongest wall will crumble. Paving the way for a fresh start and a future shaped by His divine plan.

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January 13th – Deuteronomy 1:6

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Deuteronomy 1:6

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck on a mountain top, too comfortable or too afraid to come down. But if we really want to move toward something new, we need courage. Courage to step into the valley of change, where growth and new opportunities await. And although scary, if we descend with faith guiding our steps, we can find excitement knowing every slope leads to a new beginning. The Israelites found themselves stuck at Mt. Horeb, afraid to enter the land God gave them. Yet He called them to put aside their fear. To arise and claim His beautiful promise. And He calls us to do the same. He beckons us to embrace change, and embark on a fresh chapter in life under His loving care. To move forward with bravery and faith. In our own journey of moving from the mountain, Deuteronomy 1:6 serves as a wonderful compass. One that directs us toward uncharted territories. Amazing new places where God’s promises unfold, and the beauty of new beginnings await for those who trust in His leading.

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December 30th – Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Ecclesiastes 3:1

If there’s one thing that’s a constant in our lives, it’s change. And embracing that change takes an act of courage, a willingness to let go of the familiar and face the unknown. So as we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the changes of the past, and wonder about the ones 2024 will bring. That’s why we are encouraged to start the year with a Christ-centered perspective, focused on using all change to transform us into the likeness of our Savior. The teachings of our Lord emphasize the importance of faith, hope, and love, and trust in Him to guide us through the ebb and flow of life’s transitions. And as we navigate the unknown terrain of the coming year, we can trust in God’s divine plan. Having confidence that even in the face of change, God’s purpose always prevails. Because when we do we discover that change is not merely a disruption, but a catalyst for growth and spiritual transformation. Inviting us to draw closer to the source of everlasting grace, Jesus Christ.

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