EMBRACING THE CALL
Y O U A N D T I T U S 2 N E W S L E T T E R
December 2021
Vol. 12
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
M A T T H E W 6 : 33
As we close out an old year and reset the calendar, it is a time for planning and considering potential possibilities. New goals and restarts on old goals create excitement with a fresh beginning. As children of God, our greatest pursuit is designated by the authority of Scripture, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). This isn’t simply a charming verse you may have committed to memory; it is the focus of your existence as a Christian. Seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness is “the plan” and all other efforts flow out of this directive. Following God's will isn’t “one” of your goals, it is the filter by which all your efforts must be discerned.
It is a sad reality that Christians can sacrifice the fulfillment and eternal purpose of seeking God’s Kingdom for careless strivings in the kingdom of this world. Distracted by the subtle trappings of this life we can start another year hindered from living life to the fullest. I know how easy it happens to me and I must admit it is a constant battle. We have an enemy that would love to keep us from accomplishing our greatest task.
It is my prayer that each of you will start this year with a better understanding of your high calling. Please, evaluate everything in light of seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness - no sacred cows, everything on the table. What needs to go? What needs more attention? What is completely missing? May God help us all make transformed choices rather than conformed compromises.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2 Corinthians 3:18
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Our heavenly Father isn’t planning out His goals for this New Year. There is nothing new to Him. He has known the plan since the beginning of time and He has given us the opportunity to be part of it. I’m looking forward to seeing all He has in store.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Learning To Plan Effectively
The only way to have an effective plan is to seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. The following verses will help you consider what that will look like for you in the coming year. Be in the Word, in prayer, and in community with other believers through a Bible-believing local church family.
​Talk with another Christian woman about how the following verses impact your plans for the coming year. Identify how each one will help you filter your daily choices.
J E R E M I A H 29:11 ESV
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
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E P H E S I A N S 2:10 ESV
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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R O M A N S 12:2 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
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M I C A H 6:8 ESV
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
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P S A L M 119:105 ESV
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
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M A T T H E W 6:24 ESV
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
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P H I L I P P I A N S 1:9-11 ESV
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
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What other verses come to mind?
