To the glory of Christ
When we begin to follow Jesus Christ, everything in our life changes. We are no longer the same person, bound by past mistakes. By following Jesus, we are made new and given a second chance at life.
In our old ways of life, we did things for our own glory—our own praise and recognition. But in our new life with Jesus, we should desire to do everything for God.
Every word and action is an opportunity to love and praise God.
Whether you’re doing something difficult like raising a family or pursuing school or something simple like washing dishes or cleaning up trash—all these are opportunities to love and praise God. Even though some tasks feel insignificant or mundane, God asks us to do those tasks with Him in mind. It is God who gives us the breath and ability to do anything in life, so we should always be grateful for the opportunities we have.
Are there tasks in your life that cause you to grumble or complain?
As you spend time reflecting during this Advent season, consider how to perform tasks to the best of your ability, representing God in your actions. Reflect on the changes in your life since following Jesus Christ. Give thanks for the breath God has given and for the opportunity to praise Him through words and actions.
Chapter 7
“Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it....
“And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: and he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall ...