A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Matthew 5:34-37 NIV
Today we consider the idea of resolutions and promises. One such time it’s common for people to make promises is at the turn of a new year or a new month. Promises to work out, to eat better, to not cuss, to be more patient, to read the Bible in a year, to get more involved at church. All those things are good. However, we have to make sure good things don’t get in the way of God things. We don’t have to make promises or resolutions, all we have to do is do what Jesus asked us to do in the sermon on the mount; “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34 NIV
Most of you who receive this devotional are Leaders. Leaders at your church, leaders in your business, leaders on your team, leaders at your schools. As leaders we need to lead like Jesus. Be servant leaders, lead by example, but most of all be a follower of Christ, and not just someone who believes. Jesus brother James in his letter explained, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
James 2:19 NIV
We must not only be believers of Christ but we must be followers of Christ and doers of His word through love and understanding. Trust in Him, lean not on your understanding but His! Let us follow Christ’s example. Therefore my desire is to focus this year on the word “Follower”. Meaning I will follow Christ and His will for my life, by doing as He has called me to do, trusting in Him, by loving and serving others! I challenge y’all to do the same!
Lord, I trust in you, I thank you for your incredible gifts. Especially the gift of forgiveness and eternal life with you! Help us to better followers of You! Help us to seek you first, help us be humble leaders. Help us to act in love always honoring you! Fill us with your Holy Spirit and renew our hearts to follow You as You intended. We pray all these things in Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!