January '24 Devotional
New Year, Same Thing?
Middle school was weird. The girls were mean, the guys were smelly, and EVERYONE was insecure. It was like someone locked a ton of little animals into a cage, gave them a big dose of hormones, and told them the only rule was not to burn the building down. It was scary, but I found a group where we helped each other weather the storm. By the end, I was almost used to the craziness. It was familiar and somewhat comforting to have found a routine that I could rely on. Then high school came and changed everything. Suddenly, my friends who helped me survive the craziness of middle school started caring about how they looked (a foreign concept to me at the time). Not wanting to be left behind to become a social outcast, I made a New Year’s resolution. I was going to work out every day and stop wearing basketball shorts for every occasion. This resolution lasted precisely one day before I broke it.
My point is this: resolutions are weak and difficult to maintain. If we make them for the wrong reasons, we give up easily, and if we break them once, they are broken forever. Instead, we should make goals. You see, life is a lot like middle school. It can be harsh and unforgiving, and sometimes it just plain stinks. That does not mean we just give up and sit in whatever pile of nonsense that life throws at us. Read what the Apostle Paul says to the Corinthians:
“24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
As we enter the New Year, let us keep our eyes on the “prize.” Let us make bigger goals than increasing our status here on Earth. Are you a parent? Set a goal to spend time with your child to teach them to honor God with their lives. Are you someone’s friend? Set a goal to learn the truth of God’s word and share it with that person. Do you have a job? Set a goal to make a difference in your workplace for the Kingdom of God. Whoever you are and in whatever circumstances you find yourself in, you have a decision to make. You can stay where you are, tossed back and forth by life, or fix your eyes on heaven, set a goal, and start running. Running this race is not easy. There will be trials and tribulations, but be encouraged by God’s word that says,
“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” (Rom 8:18 NLT)
In watching world events take place, “peace on earth” seems unattainable and very unlikely to ever occur. In scripture, however, “peace on earth” is the fulfillment of the greatest promise ever made to man. The promise from God Himself to redeem man back into personal and intimate fellowship with Him through what Jesus came here to do. That must be our focus! The Gospel message (the “good news”) was first delivered to lowly shepherds by an angel. In the Gospel of Luke, we are told that “suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2: 13-14). Can you imagine this scene before the eyes of the common shepherds that God chose to reveal this too? Wow!
Even though the day is coming where Jesus will indeed establish His kingdom on earth in which we will reign with Him, what is this “peace and goodwill toward men” the host of heaven rejoiced in announcing and how can we all have peace right now from all of the worry, strive, grief, and troubles this life seems to have an endless supply of? I believe the apostle Paul gave us a very accurate and comforting definition of that true peace that is available to all those accepting of this free gift of eternal life in Christ when he wrote this:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).
What an incredible thing the Lord has done for us! Giving us direct access to Him to enjoy His unending love, protection, and a personal sealed guarantee of eternal life with Him always. In addition to this, we have the privilege of sharing this with others in goodwill toward men! Now THAT is something to celebrate!
May you celebrate Christmas by enjoying this peace in Christ and praising Him for all He has done. It is with this truth I wish you a hearty “Merry Christmas” and in my nerdy Christmas excitement, I leave you with the words of little Tiny Tim... “God bless us, everyone!”
In the precious love of Jesus,
Darryl Marini