Outside the cross of Jesus Christ, there is no hope in this world. That cross and resurrection at the core of the Gospel is the only hope for humanity. Wherever you go, ask God for wisdom how to get that Gospel in, even in the toughest situations about life.
Ravi Zacharias
How did 2020 go for you? Some people say it went by fast. Others might say it was a dragging year. 2020 for me was both devastating and fruitful. The year always starts with my birthday so that counts as being a fruitful year. Moreover, my husband and I were able to get our permanent residency. Another point for the positive side of the year. We advanced in our careers and daily blessings that we know we do not deserve. But only received through God’s grace.
On the contrary, the year also started with a pandemic that changed everyone’s way of living. Furthermore, we lost loved ones this year, not because of CoVid. Our unborn child was called by God and grandparents departed this earth.
But as Christians, we do not see death as the final end. We have a hope that through Jesus Christ we will have eternal life and that we will have an opportunity to see our little one in heaven.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the book of Job 42:1-9. Please, read our recent devotional from Psalm 1: The Righteous Or Wicked Way: Where Are You Heading?
Look Into Your Heart
Job 42:1-6
These verses were a conclusion between the conversation of God and Job. He realized that he was wrong in accusing God. He humbled himself confessed God’s sovereignty over all things in the universe. Further, he repented of all things he has said and the way he acted.
Job understood, as explained by God, that sufferings are not only because of punishment, but it also strengthens our faith in Jesus and builds our character. God wants us to trust in Him that all He does is for our own good. As Jesus said, what father will give a son a serpent when he is asking for fish? (Luke 11:11).
Therefore, my non-believing friends now are the time to look into our hearts. Reflect on your thoughts, deeds and speech over the past year. Confess it to Jesus and turn away from these sins. Live your life following the life of Jesus through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is time to get right with God.
What Do Your Speech and Actions Say?
Job 42:7-9
My Christian friends, we are not exempt from the call of repentance. We know our ways, we might be confessing every day to God the sins we have done. But a big responsibility was given to us. As Jesus said to His disciples, go into all the world and preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16).
Christians, this is the task that we have to do on a daily basis. We should be sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ every day not only to other people but to ourselves as well. Jesus’ good news will ground us in our faith, make us live in the present and gives us hope in the future.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Reflect on what had happened to you this year.
- Do negative events outweigh the positive ones? Or Vice versa?
- What are your learnings for this year?
- Have you confessed and repented from your sins?
- Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Accept Jesus Now.
- Did you follow the great commission this year?
- Is your life a living testimony of God’s grace through Christ?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we adore Your holy name. As this year ends, we want to confess our trespasses to You (mention your sins). We lay the done at the foot of the cross. We repent from these sins and ask the Holy Spirit to replace our stone hearts with a heart of flesh.
Additionally, we ask the precious blood of Jesus to wash away our sins. We offer now our lives to you. Living it daily in accordance with your will and spreading the Good News of Jesus to everyone we meet.
All these we pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
