“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Col 1:28

The Apostle Paul was clear about his call to ministry. His single mission and purpose were to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Not some men, but every man. Not better, but perfect. This was not only the standard for his ministry, but for the man Paul himself. He encouraged those for whom he preached and discipled to “join in following my example” (Php 3:17). He was clear and confident of his call to serve the resurrected Christ that he could say “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:14). He followed the example of the Lord Jesus Christ who began His earthly ministry with a call to certain men, who later became His disciples, to “Follow Me.” They would follow Jesus in His daily walk and observe His interactions with people from different walks of life. Those who followed Jesus learned from His example. They observed on every occasion of His life the Father’s love for all people and the Son’s love for the Father. Christ exemplified the Father’s love for a world lost in sin and the Father’s love for His Son who laid down His life that “whosoever believed on Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16). The central truth in this scripture verse, and throughout the Bible, is the love of God. The people of God are examples of God’s love to the world. In Jesus’ final words to His disciples, He commanded “That ye love one another; as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34). Begin this day assured of the Father’s love for you. Live out this day as an example of the Father’s love to others. Father, we love You, we praise You, and adore You. Thank You for Your Son Jesus who died for my sin and the sin of the world that we might know Your love through the forgiveness of sin. In Jesus Name. Amen.  

This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (Lam 3:21-23)

This morning, you can your start day off fresh and new. This scripture instructs us to begin each day with a deliberate mental “recall” to the Lord. It is deliberate because we are easily tempted to dwell on the failures, or even the successes, of yesterday. So often we allow our thoughts to drift into our plans, worries, and concerns for the day ahead. But we find here in God’s word the ability to break this vicious cycle and resist from the enemy’s trap. Transform your day with a new mindset (Rom 12:1) and do a mental reset with “I will recall to my mind.” Recall to your mind the goodness of God, His faithfulness, His love for you and the many other things that demonstrate “His compassions.” “The Lord’s mercies …are new every morning” to those who will resist temptation and begin with the thought “I will recall to my mind” the things of God. God promises that you will find new hope and start the day fresh and new. Father, I thank you for the promises of Your word. “Great is Your faithfulness” and Your “mercy endures for ever (Ps 136). In Jesus name. Amen.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Pet 3:15)

What are you passionate about? It will show. It will show up in your conversation. It will show in the things that you invest yourself. Your passion is the signature that others often identify you with. The Apostle Peter learned firsthand how his devotion to Jesus Christ became his passion and ruled his heart. He was part of the inner circle that would pull aside and learn greater truths from the Master. He learned that the battleground of faith occurred in the heart and the objective was take control of his will. The weapons he needed most were prayer, fasting, and devotion to the word of God. As an ambassador of the Great Commission, he needed more than an academic knowledge and understanding of the scriptures and his past experiences with the Master. Peter understood for him, and all followers of Jesus Christ, to fight the good fight of faith and stand against the “wiles of the devil” the Church would spiritually grow only as saints would “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.” My friend, there is a battle for your heart today. Pull aside as you begin your day and “sanctify…in your heart” to the Lord. Take back some of the moments that God has given you throughout this day and give yourself unto the Lord. God will richly bless you and your testimony as other “asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” Father, strengthen and encourage our hearts in the moments that we set apart with You so that the light of Christ would so shine before men that He may draw some to Himself. In Jesus Name. Amen.