As this year comes to an end and another year begins there is an essential truth that we as Christians need to remember: Jesus saves us from our sins and they shall call his name “Immanuel” which means God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) As Jesus lived his earthly life he lived up to his name. He not only listened to the Father’s daily direction but he also walked daily in the Spirit. He is as John notes in his Gospel “I am” the same “I Am Who I Am” of Exodus 3:14. After Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, after his burial and resurrection he gave his disciples a promise for all time that we need to remember. “And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.” (Matt. 20:20b) Have you thought about this promise that is given to us, I am with you always to the very end. How does this promise change the way you worship? Throughout the Scriptures we are encouraged by the Lord to seek him with our whole heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-14a) We are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33) We seek the Lord God of the Bible by faith. (Hebrews 11:1) The writer of Hebrews goes on to write this truth: And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Heb. 11:6) Jesus promises that he will always be with us and that he will reward those who seek him. You and I can seek the Lord daily in prayer and through his Scripture’s. As we seek him we learn to commit our work, our plans, our dreams so that our worship will be in the truth and in the Spirit. This isn’t always easy because we sometimes ask the Lord to bless our plans, our work, our dreams sometimes without ever seeking what his will is for us. How can we adjust our plans, our work and our dreams to what it is the Lord has for us? Two ways we can adjust ourselves to the Lord. First we can learn to abide as the Lord Jesus teaches us and commands us in John 15:1-17. As we learn to abide in him we find ourselves taking delight in him and as we take delight in the Lord we find ourselves wanting what he wants for us. Along the way we find that we are setting our minds on those things above where Christ Jesus is and letting his word indwell us richly. Sure there will be a struggle along the way because we are moving from a form of self worship to true worship where we love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Dying to self and living for the Lord Jesus happens with the help of the Holy Spirit. If you want a challenge for the New Year join me and others as we seek the Lord’s kingdom by faith and not by sight. You are invited to join us or the Church of your choice this Sunday this Sunday at 9:30 am as we begin 2023.
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