2020: Give Generously; Act Faithfully; Serve Fervently
By Joyce Wachsmuth --
Typically, this time of year a question might be asked of you, “So what are you looking forward to in 2020?” Your answer may vary from some event you are looking forward to, or something that you hope will change in 2020, or many times you really don’t know. Personally, I believe this question of what you are looking forward to is different from “what resolution will you make?” I don’t know about you, but I can resolve to do something like lose weight and in a few days lose sight of what I said I would do.
So, let me suggest that maybe as you reflect on 2019 that you begin by thanking the Lord for all the blessings you have received this year. Then, as you look forward to 2020, ask the question, “How will I continue the pursuit of a closer relationship to Jesus and see things always for His honor and glory?"
In my last lesson of women’s Bible study this past fall, there were three phrases that caught my attention that the authors of our Bible study used to summarize the study: “Give generously, act faithfully and serve fervently.” I love the phrasing of these words! As I reflected on these phrases, I thought I could use them to evaluate my life in Jesus Christ, because they are exactly what Jesus Christ demonstrated on earth.
- Am I giving generously, obediently, and sacrificially, without expectation or wanting to be recognized for the giving?
- Am I giving beyond what is expected? Am I open to give instead of looking for places to keep it all for myself?
- Do I believe that God provides all that I need? Do I trust Him in every part of my life?
- In order to act faithfully, does my behavior reflect my faith in Jesus Christ?
- Do I submit to His ways and serve with passion for the lost?
- Am I serving Jesus and not man?
- Am I protective of my time and closed to the Lord opening doors for serving His community?
- Am I truly giving generously, acting faithfully and serving fervently for His glory?
2020 is only a few days away. Let’s join our hearts together and pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16-17, 20.
“I pray that he would give you according to his glorious riches, strength in your inner being and power through his Spirit, and that the Messiah would make his home in your hearts through faith….Now to the one who can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine according to the power that is working among us –to him be glory in the church and in the Messiah Jesus to all generations forever and ever! Amen."
Happy New Year!