Friday, December 7, 2018

You are a Treasure

Advent Lectionary Readings:
Luke 1:68-79
Malachi 3:13-18
Philippians 1:18b-26

"You have said terrible things about me," says the LORD. "But you say, 'What do you mean? What have we said against you?' "You have said, 'What's the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the LORD of Heaven's Armies that we are sorry for our sins? From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.'"
Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. "They will be my people," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. "On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." Malachi 3:13-18 (Underlined for emphasis.)

The Treasure is at the End of the Rainbow.
Are you there?
A special treasure. That is just what you are…IF you are a child of the King…a believer…one who is considered righteous and reverent towards the Lord and serves Him. You are special. Imagine yourself with a crown on your head…a child of the King. You are a princes or princess—royal family to the greatest King of Kings. Hold your head high. Take a deep breath and smile. God’s promise is to spare you in the Judgment. What an honor.

My goal for years has been to go to Heaven and take as many people with me as possible. But on a practical, daily basis I haven’t done much to actually reach that goal. Goal setting means that one needs to do something regularly—like on a daily basis—to reach that goal. What are your spiritual goals? What do you do on a daily basis to reach that goal? 

On January 1st this year I blogged…
Do you hear Jesus asking you if you are making plans? He has plans for you.
     - For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB)
     - Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Setting Spiritual Goals for the New Year
What would you like to accomplish spiritually this year?
What attitude or habit needs to change?
How would you like God to use you?
What ministry could utilize your unique gifts?
What ministry could benefit from your leadership?
What level of intimacy would you like to have with God?
What friend would you like to lead to Christ or encourage in their spiritual maturity?
Goals are important. Without goals we have no vision and we are more likely to be tossed about—wishy washy. That could be an opportunity for sin to enter. Keep the temptation of sin away by having Godly goals and concentrating on them. Once you have a goal, then there must be something done monthly, weekly, daily to achieve that goal. When you reach your goal—celebrate. Party! Then set a new goal. Don’t let any joy in your life be taken away by sin. 
Are you making goals and plans for 2018 and your future?

So here we are approaching the end of 2018. Have you listened to the Lord? Is there still time to set a goal and achieve it before the end of the year? I think that it is never too late to set a goal and work daily towards that end. It is never too late to respond in obedience to the Lord. Listen closely to what He wants you to do for Him today.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Like Paul, I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for You, Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to You, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for You, Christ Jesus, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for You. Philippians 1:20-22. Help me to live to bring You honor and glory—not just during this Advent season—but all year around.

Daily Bible Reading - Romans 1-3.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions and diet—now that the year is almost over? Looking for a good way to prepare vegetables? Have you tried roasted veggies?

Roasted Veggies
Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Heat oven to 450 degrees.
Choose one cup of raw vegetable per person for the list below:
 Asparagus
 Broccoli
 Cauliflower
 Mushrooms
 Sweet Potatoes
 Carrots
 Sweet Onion
Cut veggies into bite sized pieces. Place veggies on cookie sheet and sprinkle with olive oil. Roast for about 20 minutes or until browned. Sprinkle with freshly ground salt. Enjoy knowing that you are eating healthy.

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Hold the door open for someone.
Only 18 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Follow And Like "Banquet With The King" on Facebook. 👍

No comments: