Living as Jesus lived in 2016

Jesus told his followers that we would do greater things than he did while on earth. I struggle with this promise because I do not see that power in my life. People more educated and gifted than I have written that miracles, signs & wonders are no longer valid or needed. But as I prepare to begin to walk through 2016 I find my spirit longing to live in all of the promises of Jesus our Lord.

My walk into 2016 will not be one of trying to earn God’s favor or trying to gain his attention. Jesus walked in the Father’s love 24/7. Jesus loved the presence of the Father so much that he made this time a greater priority than food and sleep. Could it be that we do not walk in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit because we do not have that same depth of longing for our Father’s presence and love for His Word? We fill our time with hobbies, studies, work, and ‘me’ time.

I ask my Heavenly Father to forgive my self-centeredness. My thoughts of self-importance. My belief that by hard work and good strategies I can build the Kingdom of God. I know that only by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit can I be the husband, father and pastor that God’s Word calls me to be.

What could the Lord do in and through all of His followers if we longed for the intimacy and love of Jesus Christ with our Heavenly Father?  My prayer is that each day I would remember the depth of my Heavenly Father’s love, compassion, mercy and grace that he has for me. His grace flows to the depths of my failures. His love covers all of my selfishness and foolishness. His mercy guides my steps and calls me back to him when I leave the path of His righteousness.

O Lord God, please accept my attempts to honor you with my words, thoughts and actions in this coming year. Please be quick to correct me when I turn from your way. I ask you to surround my family, ministry and loved ones with your grace. May 2016 be a year that brings glory to Your name as people are brought into Your kingdom and discipled to walk in all of your ways.

May our Lord be with you in this new year and guide you in all of your ways,

Paul