THE COMPANY WE KEEP
The end of the church year is only a few weeks away. Nov. 30 is Advent Sunday and we will begin the new church year. Our usual daily activities have filled our time and lives but now is when we should daily seek God. We begin shifting from ordinary time to some of the main events of the Christian year, Advent and Christmas. Up the rhythm from quiet time and a daily devotion to prayer, reading and meditation, maybe multiple times each day. We begin to focus on God and the ministry and teachings of Jesus. A time to read, study and actively reflect on how we can move in partnership with God and the daily activities in our lives. Young people should not put off until they have gray hair. Busy adults should not put off until they imagine they will have more free time. If is expected we become disciples and we live a life more in tune with our Savior, we should consciously plan out our days (weeks and months, too) that include time of prayer, thanksgiving, confession, reading, meditation and reflection.
As we think about our lives in this world, let’s remember how blessed we are. God has changed our hearts to love what He loves. We pray to Him and call on Him for help. We love Him and His word. We honor and respect those God has placed to lead us. We protect the lives of all human beings. We honor marriage as He designed it. We receive our daily bread with thankful hearts and use what we have in service to others. We speak the truth. We speak well of others.
We fight against our own sinful desires. We don’t do thinks perfectly, but we strive to do them, as God forgives us because of Jesus. He empowers us by His Holy Spirit to live in a way that honors our Father in heaven. We should not be surprised when people speak falsely against us. We belong to God and have an inheritance in heaven..
We are blessed. The Holy Spirit convinces us that Jesus is the risen Savior. Jesus speaks to us and His word assures us that our sins are forgiven We are blessed to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have many reasons to rejoice and give thanks. But we have many reasons to moan and complain. We live in a sinful world. We battle against our own sinful nature. The sinfulness of the world is difficult to see. Jesus understands the pains we live with as his disciples and proclaim his word. Life might be easier for Jesus’ disciples if they remain quiet and hidden. But God has a better plan for us to shine the light of God’s word in a dark world. We need to pray that God will guide and bless us. God has called us to speak the words in truth so as to change people’s hearts.
Worship and serve the Lord joyfully. Be kind and gentle to others. Serve them, especially the needy, without the expectation of anything in return. Christ encourages us to be the light of the Christian faith. People will notice your speech, your conduct, your attitude, your hope, your faith and your love. They are attracted to Christ as they see Him at work in his followers. Engage people in conversation. Invite them to church. Tell them about our Father in heaven, Jesus at His right hand and the Holy Spirit. Our service is temporary but our blessings and joy as Jesus’ disciples are eternal.
God is calling you to be part of the Lutheran Hour Ministries. See how the Lord will work through us. Lutheran Hour Ministries will grow and move forward with your help Your gifts and donations make a very real impact on this ministry every day. As Christians, you are part of what God is doing through this ministry.
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