Making good on my words

I mentioned in my previous article that one my spiritual goals for this year is to place a higher priority on God's kingdom and let other things take their place behind that. I have done a lot of writing about compassion and poverty in the past, but as James says "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17b).

Well, finally, after being inspired and challenged by my time at the National Christian Youth Convention, I am trying to make good on my words. I am blessed to be part of an amazing church that provides so many opportunites to change the world. One of these is Levi House. I have volunteered to help serve meals to the homeless. Tonight was my first night. It was an interesting experience and I really felt like I was following in the steps of Jesus.

I tell this story, not to try to draw attention to myself, but to show what I have learned; that to really call yourself a disciple of Jesus you must do what Jesus did. For me, some form of loving and serving those more disadvantaged than myself is becoming an essential ingredient.

My wonderful wife is also embarking on a new adventure to be the hands and feet of Jesus. She is studying to be a nurse and I am very proud of her.

Spiritual Goals for 2009

I've been challenged and have some spiritual goals for this new year. They can be summed up by the following passages:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

with a specific focus on praying continually, and

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:32-34

(In my next article I will talk about some of the practical things I am going to do in this regard.)

I believe that if I get these two things right then a lot of the things that I lost sleep over last year will fall back into their proper place and I can get on with actually doing something useful for God.

If you are reading this, I would ask you to please take a moment for pray for me in these goals, and please post a comment; let me know what spiritual goals you have at the moment because I would love to pray for you.

Scripture taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright (C) 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers