Resolutions

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow wearyand lose heart.

Did you set a New Year’s Resolution?  If you did, how are you doing with that?  They say that it takes 21 days to make something a habit.  You are right there, so very close to making that change a habit! 

When you first start to do something, it can be a challenge.  This could be exercising or eating healthier.  After a while though, it just becomes natural to your life. 

My friends, if you did not set a resolution to draw closer to God this year, I want to encourage you that it’s not too late.  Start today!  Maybe you need to spend more time in prayer.  Maybe for you, it’s more time in the Word.  For some, it’s going to Church on a regular basis.  Whatever it is that you need to do to draw closer to God, don’t delay, start today and before you know it, it will be a habit.

Thursday Devotional: God Died

I’m deviating from where I was in our adoption story to share some recent developments…

I previously mentioned that the kids like “Go, Tell it on the Mountain” as one of their favorite Christmas Carols. Well, at dinner on Christmas Eve, Sarah (2 ½) asked me to sing the song about “God died.” I could not figure out which carol she meant. Most Christmas carols are about Jesus’ birth and not His death! (I eventually started singing different ones until she either gave up or decided she wanted me to sing “Angels We Have Heard on High.”)

Anyway, over the next few weeks she would bring up that “God died.” This led to several conversations about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins but not staying dead! So, recently, instead of randomly declaring “God died,” Sarah now randomly declares “God die on cross!” In fact, last night during our prayer time together, the one thing she decided all on her own to thank God for was “God die on cross.”

It’s exciting to watch the kids grow in their understanding of who God is and what He has done! Jesus laying down His life for us, so we don’t have to eternally die for our sins, is amazing!          
John 10:11-18 ¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹² The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. ¹³ The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. ¹⁴ “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. ¹⁷ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Jesus did die. He died willingly, purposefully, submissively and lovingly for you and me. He’s the only One who could! Have you accepted His death in your place? If so, you are His sheep and will live forever with Him!  


As Sarah has said several times recently “I not die cross.” No, we don’t have to die for our own sins. Jesus already did!

Better Together

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”  John 21:15-17

For years, I have had a spiritual mentor that has helped me stay on the right track when I was wandering astray.  In fact in many ways, he was keeping me righted even when he did not even realize it.  When I felt that urge to do something that felt wrong, he was there in spirit almost like a voice from God.  He has been instrumental in my life, and when I am distant from him, I feel the difference.  I bring this up not to imply you are doing something wrong.  In fact, my belief is that many of you are doing great things in the name of Christ, and as such can be a mentor for others, which is why I bring this up today.  But what if you or someone is in need of someone?  Yes, God is there for us.  A mentor is not a replacement for God.  Instead, you or they are a reminder of God’s goodness and how He changes lives.  It’s to say we have God’s word as the instruction book, and being or having a mentor can encourage one to reach a higher level of God’s calling and/or help right the ship.  Better yet, you can be that someone who finds their way after being lost.

While there is only one path to God through Jesus Christ, a walk is always easier with someone.  I once wrote on these verses regarding Jesus speaking to Peter.  At first glance, we read it as if Jesus is questioning Peter.  However in reading throughout the book of John, we know Peter loves Jesus, and Jesus is all knowing.  So what is Jesus doing?  He is mentoring Peter.  The other week, I spoke of Jesus washing feet to set the example.  In today’s verse, Jesus is preparing Peter to step forward and lead the disciples and other lost souls to Christ.  ‘Feed’ and ‘Take Care’ are the instructions Jesus Is providing Peter, and Peter would go on to begin the spread of the Gospel after Jesus ascends to Heaven.  Walking with someone either as a mentor or protégé has mutual benefits.  As a mentor, you are serving part of God’s purpose in building others for His will.  As a protégé, you are taking the next step of your own growth becoming more aware of God’s plan for your life.

God is sufficient for all of us, but He did not intend for us to live life alone.  Sharing our faith is part of our mission, but giving guidance to and receiving the advice of others in the name of Christ is always a win for all involved.  We can enhance our walk of faith by reaching out to others either for help or to help.  So do you have a spiritual mentor?  Who can you be more of a guide on God’s glory to?  My prayer is that we are willing to guide or be guided toward a greater understanding of God’s plan for we are always better together.  Amen.