“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7  We tend to have a pretty shallow perception of one another.  At a superficial glance, we often make assumptions about a person’s athleticism, success, intelligence, and even character. We’re often wrong!  Thank goodness our potential is not determined by what other people think about us.  Our Creator determines our purpose, worth and potential!  God Himself gives us new opportunities to serve and grow every day.  As we begin 2021, let’s make the most of every opportunity given to us by God to do good and make a positive impact in our world.  

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”  Hebrews 12:1  No serious athlete would run a race wearing work boots, or carrying a bag of groceries, or with pockets full of rocks. All of those things would greatly hinder their performance, and they know it. In the same way, God gives us the wisdom to discern the attitudes and actions that hinder us from living the victorious Christian life. What are the things we need to leave behind here in 2020 so that we can be more like Jesus in 2021?  

Luke 2: 1-7 & John 1:1-14 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”  John 6:35  The gospels tell us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  The town name literally means “house of bread,” and is a reminder that Jesus is the Bread of Life.  Bread from the table can ease our hunger and meet our physical needs temporarily, but Jesus Christ can meet our spiritual needs and give us eternal life!  Christmas is an invitation to believe in Him and receive Him as your own Lord and Savior.

“How can this be?” Mary asked the angel.  — Luke 1:34 The first chapter of Luke tells us that Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, came to a young Jewish woman named Mary while she was living in Nazareth.  When he announced she would give birth to a child who would be the Son of God, she asked a logical question:  “How can this be?”  It’s a question we may ask many times in our lives.  We seldom understand the ways of God—His wisdom, His power and His love.  Even when we don’t understand, we need to trust him as Mary did.  Our greatest joy will be found in surrendering our lives to His plan!

“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.”  Luke 2:29-32  When Mary and Joseph carried baby Jesus into the temple, the old man Simeon knew immediately who he was—bursting into a song of praise for God’s saving work!  How did Simeon know when so many others did not?  The scripture tells us the Holy Spirit moved in the heart of this man who was righteous, devout, trusting, and constantly waiting for God to work.  God’s Spirit can reveal great truths to us as well, if our hearts are prepared in the same way!