Weekly Scripture Focus Archives

December 9
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." - Luke 2:10-14

At this time of year we often hear hymns and songs with the words “Gloria in Excelsis Deo”, which means glory to God in the highest.  These words from scripture show us that the angels recognized the glory and majesty of God by giving praise to Him.  Like the angels we also should recognize God’s majesty and glory.  Like the angels we were made to worship God.  During this Christmas season we should worship God and thank Him for the awesome grace and mercy He has shown us.

December 2, 2007
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14

This prophecy was a sign of hope during Old Testament times.  The prophecy is still a sign of hope today.  However, we know that the prophecy has been fulfilled through the birth of Christ.  We also know that the purpose of Christ’s birth was to bring us salvation. The message of hope for today’s world is God’s amazing grace through the birth and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

At this time of year as Christians we should stay focused on the fulfillment of this prophecy.  We should also carry this message of hope

November 25, 2007
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…
Colossians 3:23-24

In today’s society we are surrounded by people, both Christian and non-Christian, that choose to work for the approval of men.  We see people who are content with the “status quo” and with mediocrity.  Many people both Christian and non-Christian choose not to strive daily for excellence in their workplace, in school, or in the church.  They are afraid of change in their lives and choose not to live the exciting life that God has called us to live for Him.

As Christians we are called to a higher level of living.  We are called to do everything we do to the best of our abilities.  We are to work for the Lord in the workplace, at school, and even at church.

Today, ask God how you can work for Him!

Labor Day - 2007
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

Labor Day originated during the labor union movements of the 1800’s as a way to celebrate the social and economic advancements of the United States and pay tribute to the driving force of our economy—the American laborer.

For the first six days, God worked.  Work was one of God’s first gifts to man.  Scripture does not tell us why God asked man to work, but the story suggests that the capacity to work and to care for what God has given us, is an integral part of our being.

It should be a joy to be employed in the business of the Creator, but sin has corrupted our ability to find complete satisfaction in our work.  However, God has given us the ability to see significance in day-to-day activities with the promise of redemption through Christ. God has promised that one day even our work will be as satisfying as leisure.  But on that day, the work itself will be less important than the one who gave us the work in the beginning.

Our work can fulfill us.  It can give us a sense of purpose on this earth.  When we understand that our truest vocation is to serve Christ, we will be able to call our work good.  As we seek ways to blend our occupation with our calling, we discover more about who God is and who we are. What a gift to find ourselves gainfully employed in becoming the people God created us to be!

August 27, 2007
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
Matthew 5:13 NIV

During the first century there were many uses for salt.  Salt was used as payment for work that was done.  That is where we get the word salary.  Salt was also used as a purifying agent, medicine and for preserving meats and fish.  And like today salt was used to enhance the flavor of food.

The purpose of salt is not to make you think how great salt is, but to make food taste better.  The reason why we are asked to be salt is not to draw attention to ourselves, but it is to draw attention to our Savior.
It means that your actions should cause people to want what you have.

Then Jesus also says, "If salt loses its flavor, how will you season it?" 
The problem today is that we too often just store our salt.
You can't live a salty life while the salt is still on the shelf. 
Jesus wants you to get out of your comfort zone and live a salty life.

Are you salty?

August 19, 2007
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things…
Matthew 25:21 NIV

(excerpt from "The Purpose Driven Church" by Rick Warren)
The Parable of the Talents tells of two men who doubled their talents their master gave them and were called “good and faithful servants”.  In other words they proved their faithfulness by taking risks that produced fruit. 

The point of the parable is that God expects to see results.  Our faithfulness is demonstrated by the  fruit we produce.  Faithfulness is accomplishing as much as possible with the resources and talents God has given you.  God does not expect us to produce more than we can, but he does expect us to produce all  that we can by His power.

If you are not taking any risks in your ministry, then it is not requiring that you have faith.

We must be willing to say, with unreserved commitment to our Lord and Savior, “We’ll do whatever it takes to reach people for Christ.”

Are you willing to take a risk?