The New Year is here. By now that is not a new thought. Yet this is still a great time to re-focus and renew. Refocus on how Christ wants us to live. This period in which we live is fast becoming one of the most divisive in history. It is too easy and simplistic to just take sides and claim we are right or have moral correctness on our side. It matters not what the world says or does, we live Christ – no matter what. We do as He says, we love as He loved, we act as He acted. When we do that the policies and politics of the world take a backseat in importance to the neighbor next door, the needy friends at school or work, the needs in our own families. To renew means to bring back to a former place of strength and growth. For believers it is done through reading, studying, knowing God’s Word. Even as we do this we live God’s Word. That is one reason why being a Christian is never being at a place where you have arrived. There is always more to learn and understand, but we constantly strive to have the Mind Of Christ. Luke 6 is a great chapter to read and re-read and then read again. Jesus desires us to love everyone and in order for me personally to do that, I cannot get wrapped up in politics, lifestyle, personality, etc. Jesus did not give me that much freedom here. He told us in The Good Samaritan and showed us in the healing of the lepers, the woman at the well, Zacchaeus and more, that the person was always the most important. This year I pray for God’s grace that I may see everyone as His creation and love with His love.

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Luke 6:36-38

Singing His Praises!
Mark