Developing a 2020 Vision for the Lord (Part 5)

Friends: We are thinking about the incredible possibility that awaits us as we anticipate a brand new year — 2020. The expression “2020” reminds me of my first eye exam in high school — when I memorized the eye chart before going to the doctor’s! (I don’t know why). As we face this new year, we have the opportunity to focus on several priorities for our lives.

First, we can commit ourselves to becoming more like the Lord Jesus, Second, we want to focus on the truth that we are not to be conformed to this world. Third, we need to have a deep desire to get into God’s holy Word! Four, we would deeply care about the salvation of those around us. If we believe the gospel is true, then every person is headed either to heaven or to hell. Do we think about that truth as we meet people, engage with our co-workers and neighbors, and come in contact with total strangers?

A fifth priority challenges us this new year: We should desire to use our gifts to build up God’s people in the local church. Every believer in Christ has at least one spiritual gift that is to be used to encourage the people of God. We learn about our spiritual gifts in Romans 12, I Corinthians12, Ephesians 4, and I Peter 4.

May I ask you a few questions, dear blog-reader? (1) Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?  (2) Are you using your gifts to serve the local church?  (3) Would you mind leaving a comment at the end of this post specifying which gift you have?

And may I ask you to pray this prayer with me? “Lord of All Gifts, would You use me this year to honor You and to build up the Body of Christ, the local church? Father, make me aware of how I can serve others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”