Here it is a new year again. One question I have to ask myself is, how long will I write 2009 on checks and things. Oh well, that’s one of the fun things of starting a new year.
The celebrations of a new year is usually associated with beginning any number of new things like diets, or quitting other bad habits or starting good habits like reading scripture and doing devotions each day. This year in this space I am going look at discipleship through stewardship. Each month I will give you a scripture to read, meditate on, pray about and contemplate. During our journey this year, I hope you will find this time serves to enlighten, encourage; and inspire us, who have been changed by God’s Word to transform the lives and life situations of those we find at our doorstep.
So we start here in January, the scripture for this month is 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. During the first week of this time as you read this passage reflect on what word or phrase has touched your heart and reflect on those words.
January 11-14 read the passage again and this think about what word or phrase do you “HEAR” or “SEE” Christ? Where does it touch your life today?
January 18-24 ask yourself these two questions, “What is God saying to you?” and “Who is God calling you to be?”
January 25-31 as you read the passage in stillness and contemplation reflect on “How have you been able to apply this devotion to your life?” and “Now, what is God calling you to do?”
This is the formula that I hope we can follow with each month’s scripture passage as we work to grow in discipleship and stewardship. This isn’t my idea, I wish I had thought of it, but this is a pattern of study that American Baptist all across the country will be working on. National Ministries is promoting this idea for all people to learn and practice spiritual formation as a lifelong work of God’s Spirit molding and shaping our lives in order for us to better communicate and share with the community around us the good news of Jesus Christ.
Each month there is a song that is suggested to help you get into mood for reading and studying this passage. This month the song is “This Is The Day”.
The reason I’m hoping people will take the time to do this is because at the beginning of a new year, we can rededicate ourselves to live more fully the image of God by showing love, being longsuffering and patient, and being kind and merciful to those whom we meet, live and work with. As Christians we are called to a ministry of serving Christ. What shape that ministry take the form of is up to each of us? For we are all called to minister in the name of Jesus Christ. May you all have a Happy and Blessed New Year.