The Answer is Within Reach

“When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much even more will be required” (Luke 12:48).

Welcome to 2020. May this year generate changed lives and impact on this world. Today’s world is not the same place that many of us were born into during the 20th century. Many of us would declare that evil is winning the day. The world is stained with suicide, crime, drug abuse, homelessness, abortion, human trafficking, pornography and so much more. Do you wonder if anyone has an answer to life’s sickness?

Albert Einstein once wrote “The world is a dangerous place to live. Not because of the people who are evil; but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” We have a role to serve. We have a destiny to claim and we must share our hopes and dreams with the generations coming after us as we raise them up (discipleship) in positions of leadership. The Church not only has the answer for the troubles of life, we have a responsibility to become the bride ready for the bridegroom’s return (2 Cor 11:2).

We become more like Jesus as we spend time with Jesus. Reading the word of God, studying the truths we understand and even those that make us scratch our head. All I have to offer is what I find in the Bible and by living out the scriptures in private and public life. The Bible is likely the most contested and controversial book in the history of mankind. It holds irresistible wisdom that helps us journey through life.

I know the impact of God’s Word having read through the Bible several times. Each reading is a fresh encounter with the infinite Maker. My (step) uncle is Dr. James Means, retired professor of Pastoral Ministries at Denver Seminary. He reads through the Bible three times each year. His paperback copy that he started using in 2003 is falling to pieces. He still has unanswered theological questions. But he is an example that “A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” – Charles Spurgeon.

Just because you have read through the Bible that does not mean the Bible has worked its way into you. Have you ever watched a fire burn down to the coals and then ashes? It appears that the fire has gone out all you see is a little smoke until a fresh log is thrown on. It ignites and you have a whole new fire. There may be live coals in your life, but you have allowed the flame to go down. You have not been using the gifts God gave you. There is no time like the present to fan into flame the talents that God has given you. Return to your first love and remember he is waiting for you.

As we start into 2020 let’s pioneer toward the goal of reaching more people with the gospel of Christ. Let’s pray for the harvest and invite those around us to join this adventure with Christ. May we have a clear view of God’s vision for us personally and collectively. 2020 is a time of great trials, yet we can triumph in victory as we offer ourselves to the Lord in this pursuit for His kingdom.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to ignite the flame that once burned brightly in and through my life. May I remember the best of times in which I was growing in my spiritual walk and get back on track with you. Each day I desire to meet you in the Word and in everyday interruptions. Thank you for never leaving me and always inviting me back to my first love. Amen.