Studying God’s Word is noble and profitable so long as it leads to one becoming better acquainted with the Author. But if study is just an intellectual exercise, God’s Word won’t penetrate your heart and become truly useful. Alternatively, some folks never pick up a Bible. That’s a tragedy for if you don’t read the Bible, you’re no better off than those who can’t read the Bible.

Seeking God is elemental to spiritual growth. That’s why the enemy confounds our efforts with obstacles to seeking God like busyness, unconfessed sin, misplaced priorities and fatigue. We try to overcome those obstacles but often do so unsuccessfully because the obstacles become what we focus on. Instead, let’s focus on seeking God, individually and corporately.

Some people’s stories are filled with pain. Jesus can change that. Some people seem just fine without Jesus, yet we know they are lost, that their story will end in eternal separation from God. Lost people matter to God, and the reality of his love for them drives us to share his story – and ours – so their story can be transformed.

Your story was never intended to be a solo situation. God created Adam intending to be his companion. God created Eve because it was “not good for the man to be alone.” If your story is just about you, you’ll be consumed with selfishness. If your story is about just you and God, indifference can set in. Story as God intended it is about God, me and you. Your best story has God as the lead character. And when God plays the lead, he always includes other cast members in the plot.

Just like how knowing the story of a favorite book helps you find the page you last read, knowing God’s Story helps you find where you belong. God’s Story starts in the past, with the Creation and Fall chapters, extends through Jesus and into today with the Redemption chapter, and moves on to eternity with the Restoration chapter. Understanding our place in the redemptive chapter of God’s Story allows us to participate in the ministry of reconciliation.

A lot of twenty-first century offering appeals start from the wrong place by pointing out what giving can accomplish for the giver. For two chapters Paul pointed out the difference giving made in the lives of the recipients. Paul concludes this section by pointing out that giving benefits the giver, too.

Paul urged the Corinthians to complete the collection they had started. Doing so, he told them, would inspire others. When the church gives, eagerly and enthusiastically, it ministers to others because not only does it encourage others, but it inspires them to join in. That kind of giving –naturally, not out of coercion or guilt, but giving willingly – not only funds ministry, but is a ministry in itself.

Giving and grace just go together. The Greek word for grace (charis) is even translated gift in some instances. When you realize how great is the grace you have received in Christ, you’re motivated to be graceful toward others. This grace is expressed in rich generosity. It motivates you to give willingly. Enthusiastically. Grace enriches you, even as you enrich others. “Grace giving” looks like Jesus.

Reflecting on 2020 and looking forward to 2021.

Pushing through the holiday let down.