Dec 20 2021

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Research has shown that only a small percentage of people ever finish what they start.

We have a culture of people who always feel like something is unfinished in their lives. In this afternoon's Colossians verse, Paul reminds the Church that everything we do should be done for the Lord. If our motive is to please God, then it should change the way we do things. Our intent shifts from trying to accomplish things for ourselves to knowing that what we do reflects our love for the Lord.

Because God always finishes what He begins, we should do the same. It's much easier to accomplish our goals in life if we are trusting in God's strength and not our own.

Our world is based on a rewards system from the time we are young. If we make good grades, and perform well in school, we get an award. If we win at sports, we get trophies. But as we get older, the rewards are different, and sometimes the payoff isn't as exciting.

We do an excellent job at work—no one notices. We provide for our family —no one seems to be grateful. It can be disappointing and unfulfilling.

Some people are only motivated when they can earn a pat on the back or face punishment if they don't finish things. But when we have God's approval, what everyone else thinks doesn't matter. We are living our lives for an audience of one—the God of the universe.

Dear God, I want to please you above anyone else in the world. I know that you know my heart and see my motives. Sometimes it is difficult to keep going when it feels like no one notices what I do. Help me live my life for you alone. You are the only one who has ever mattered, whether I have acknowledged you or not. Help me honor you with everything I say and do. When I want to give up, remind me that I can do all things through your strength. Even though I might face challenges, I know I can lean into you to find what I need. In Jesus' name, amen.

Dec 19 2021

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. :

When many of us were younger, we liked thinking that our dad was stronger than other people's dads. Our dad's strength made us feel confident and secure.

As God's children, we know that the strength of our Heavenly Father is offered to us and is all we ever need. But, His power in our lives begins as soon as we realize we are weak.

God doesn't expect us to face life's challenges relying on our own strength—because He knows we can't. In the Old Testament, we read the story of a shepherd boy whom God chose to take down a powerful giant. Goliath was one of the Philistines, a group of people who actively opposed God and everyone who followed Him. No one was willing to go up against Goliath, an evil giant of a man, except for David.

David was most likely a young teenager. He was so small that the king's armor wouldn't fit him. He faced Goliath in complete vulnerability. Anyone would have looked at that as an impossible situation, but David was not fighting alone. He operated in the strength of Almighty God and defeated the evil giant.

Metaphorically speaking, we face giants every day that would be impossible to slay—except we aren't fighting alone either. The same God who helped David defeat Goliath is with us in every battle we face.

The world will marvel at the strength that is displayed in our lives when we rely on God's power. We can have confidence and assurance that God is always fighting along with us and for us.

God, I am so glad that I can call you my Father. You offer me everything that I will ever need. I realize that I am weak and I need you. By relying on your strength, I can find the strength to fight every battle. Help me to keep my eyes on you and not on what's happening around me. You are faithful, so I know I can always depend on you. You will never let me down, and you will never leave me to fight alone. Help others to witness your strength in me and let it bring glory to you alone. In Jesus' name, amen.
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