ValparaisoFirst Church

When we travel, we are set on a destination.  It's the focus of the trip, and you want to get there as soon as possible to do all you've planned.  We may not want to make unexpected stops or sight-see someplace that we originally intended to just pass through on our way. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem for His final week before the cross.  He was focused, He was intentional about fulfilling His purpose, and even His disciples knew the city was the next stop.  Yet, Jesus, on His way through Jericho took the time to meet a man society had given up on.  Even though He was focused on where we was going, Jesus wasn't about to pass by a life that came seeking Him. Others may have overlooked or given up on you, but not Jesus. He isn't concerned with everyone else so much that He's forgotten about you.

We have a lot of 'why' questions when it comes to God, but one of the most damaging can be when we ask, "Why should God work in my life?" We defeat faith when we doubt God's desire to work in our lives, so He can use us for His perfect purposes. We miss out on what God can do in us and through us when we don't see why He would want to in the first place.  Sometimes we don't understand God's value for each of us, and we think we are undeserving of His mercy, grace, love and plan for us. God loves you and wants to move in you, and you're the person He's been looking for!

We all wish everyone was like us, but the sad truth is this: they are not. People are people and they come in all shapes and sizes and varieties of temperament.  It doesn't take long to see that God has created us all very unique from one another.  We easily dismiss people who are different from us and even undervalue them.  We may think so highly of ourselves that everyone around us could learn something from us, but we couldn't gain anything from them.  According to God's Word, whether it's true people are beneath you, God uses them to sharpen you.  Maybe we think we serve a purpose to others, but we must see they serve a purpose for us - even if they're different.

It's easy to place blame with everyone else to avoid taking accountability for our own actions. Most people would have to admit they  will always take the credit for anything that turns out well, but if things don't turn out, somehow it isn't their fault. Why blame yourself when you can blame someone else? Here's the issue, though: how can you expect to grow unless you address areas which hinder your growth? Want to grow in your walk this year? Then it's time to accept responsibility, bring your flaws before God, and do as He instructs.

Some circumstances push us to the brink and difficulties easily wear us down. We may get superficial encouragement from the many posts of Facebook quotes telling you how strong and able you are.  Yet life has a way of proving those wrong as we come to the end of ourselves.  If we do not possess the strength to cope with life and overcome it's many difficulties, we must find strength from another source.

At the start of every year it seems people are filled with new hope, big dreams, and expectations for greatness even though it's just another day. Progress doesn't happen just because another day has dawned, so if we hope to grow we are going to have to start the year right. Although much of your growth may seem like it is at a snail's pace, there are ways to catapult your life but it takes one thing: trusting in God and giving Him full control.

It's easy to talk about the ability of God. Scripture is full of impossible miracles and sovereign moves of God, and most believers can recall many of these stories with ease.  Then, why do we doubt so easily?  Why do we struggle to believe God will work in our lives as He did with those in the Bible?  Do we think He loves us less, is less concerned, or is less motivated to work in our situations?  Rather than doubt Him, we need to be reminded how God gives to those who ask with right motives.

There are people in your life who may have launched your love for Christ, but they are not able to sustain it; that is up to you! If we are going to continue in His love we have to understand it, know it, but also experience it. There are so many forces trying to pull us from His love, so what is the formula to remain in that love?

Many times our biggest battles outside of us are caused by what is inside of us. We may think our heart is in the right place, or someone has a good heart, but the Bible disagrees. It says the heart is deceitful above all things. Simply stated: what the heart does best is what is worst. Paul says the only way to remedy what is at the center of who we are is the indwelling of Christ.  If we could understand how to get Christ within us, He could cure our heart issues.

Many times, we fail to remember our most powerful weapon which God has equipped us with is prayer. Jesus said that we do not have because we do not ask.  How true! You can think of what you need, hope to have what you need, and even have dreams about it, but none of that will help you possess it. Beyond that, there is more to prayer than just what I think I have a need for. In fact, God has given us something great to pray for, and when you do, we take our place in His eternal plan.