Isn’t it great to be a living, breathing child of God in this brand new year? It’s the first day of your new beginning. Are you clear about your mission? My hope for you is that you don’t lose focus. Remember that whatever you may be going through, Jesus has already been there and blazed the trail! Praise Him for a new start and a new beginning. I’m putting out a challenge for each of us on this first day of 2025. The challenge is this; find someone who you know has no relationship with God and dedicate this year to pray and ask God to equip that person with a heart for Him.
Today’s Prayer
Father, Thank You so much for being with us throughout this past year. If it were not for You and Your grace, what would we have done! Life would be so much more difficult, even hopeless, without Your presence and promises. Thank You for every time You comforted and encouraged us through your Word, a song of praise, a word spoken in season, a kind deed, a surprise e-mail or card, answers to prayer, safety in uncertain situations…and so much more. Thank You also for blessing us through special “God Appointments“ and using us to touch others’ lives and testify of Your goodness. We want to thank You now for all that You plan for us this fresh, New Year. We want to thank You for being with us. We ask that You anoint us for the tasks ahead. Help us to be wise. We’re trusting You to meet every need as You have always done. Thank You, dear God. With love, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Let’s eat.
BELIEVERS ARE SALT AND LIGHT
MATTHEW 5:13
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
When I think of what God has done by the chemistry of the cross, I am amazed. He’s taken that deadly part of our nature and made something new out of us. He’s even given us a new name, just like sodium and chloride get a new name, called salt. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.”
Are you living a life of flavor from the Lord? Many around you are not all that interested in going to Heaven or Hell. They just want to know how to hack it on Monday. There is no excitement, no thrill, and their lives are tasteless. We who are Christians are to be different. That’s why Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be . . . seasoned with salt.” There should be something about Christians that gives flavor to the world around them.
- What are some ways Christians can live differently as salt of the earth?
- Think about a typical day in your life. How does your life look different than others who don’t know Jesus? How does it need to look different?
Discuss with some of your christian friends what it would look like to live as salt of the earth in your current stage of life.
WHAT AN AWESOME REMINDER TO START THIS FRESH YEAR!
Quote of the Day
Here is a cord of love let down, and the upper end of it is fastened to Christ’s heart, and the lower end of it hanging down the length of your hearts. And, O! shall not Christ’s heart and yours be knit together this day. Here is a cord to bind His heart to your heart, and your heart to His heart. ~Ralph Erskine~