The New Year invites us to renew intentions; yes, to make
some resolutions. Make yours about more than losing a few pounds or going to
the gym! It was reported that gym
memberships are up by 40 to 50% in the first two weeks of January and that gym
attendance declines by the same percentage in February. We have great intentions, don’t we? Will we live them out or hold them as mere
sentiment? Jesus said of his disciples
as He saw them sleeping on the crucial night before His crucifixion, "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
(Matthew 26:41, NIV) In other words, “Guys,
I know you mean well, but you’re an undisciplined lot controlled by your
appetites and desires!”
2015 can be a year of spiritual growth and enjoying new
blessings of God. Note I wrote, ‘can.’ We have a part to play in making that happen.
Jude urges us to stand in the place where God blesses! "Build yourselves up in your most holy faith
and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." (Jude
20-21, NIV)
Three action words push us to a place where we experience
God’s best.
Build! The foundation is
Christ Jesus. Only faith can receive what God freely provides us in Him. On that foundation we build a superstructure. As we choose to engage in service, when we
choose to love and forgive, when we encourage others, when we give ourselves
away – a holy house is built where God is honored.
Keep! We are not passive
people who drift from one day to the next. We are pursuing God with earnest
desire. “Keep” is a word about
persevering the best, about paying careful attention to the direction of our
lives. Those who want to enjoy the loving
favor of God will stand where He blesses. They will not dabble in disobedience.
They will not be distracted by meaningless things. Their focus is on the things of God. “For
there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (Ps
133:3)
Wait! This Christian
experience is not a sprint, it is a marathon. There will be days, weeks, even
months – when we live by faith, making the choices to walk with God even though
His plans are hidden, His Presence apparently distant. Still, we wait. "You need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there
for the promised completion. It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show
up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if
he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy. But we’re not quitters who lose out.
Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way."
(Hebrews 10:36-39, The Message)
So as you pick up the routines of life this Monday, do so
with a new perspective. Make each day about Christ, as Lord. Build! Keep! Wait! You
will find yourself standing where He blesses, living near His heart, and
knowing the joy of the Father’s favor.
The word from the Word - "And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and
who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great
joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the
beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen." (Jude 24-25, NLT)
Let Your Glory Fall
Father of creation,
Unfold Your sov'reign
plan.
Raise up a chosen
generation
That will march
through the land.
All of creation is
longing
For Your unveiling of
pow'r.
Would You release Your
anointing?
Oh God, let this be
the hour!
Let Your glory fall in
this room,
Let it go forth from
here to the nations.
Let Your fragrance
rest in this place
As we gather to seek
Your face.
Ruler of the nations,
The world has yet to
see,
The full release of
Your promise;
The Church in victory!
Turn to us Lord and
touch us,
Make us strong in Your
might.
Overcome our weakness,
That we could stand up
and fight.
Let Your kingdom come!
Let Your will be done!
Let us see on earth,
The glory of Your Son.
David Ruis
© 1992 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Vineyard Music
USA)
CCLI License # 810055
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