Inviting Jesus into 2013
This is the fourth and final article re-post from my Christmas series, having looked at some of the often-overlooked people and details surrounding Christ’s birth. It’s fitting to present this to you after Christmas, when most people are starting to put Jesus away until next year.
Here’s my challenge, encouragement, and, hopefully, inspiration for you and me for the coming year—2013: let’s commit that everything we do as Christian men will have Jesus front and center, unapologetically, unashamedly on the Throne of any situation, circumstance, activity, or event we are a part of.
Let’s remember it is all about Him. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Power, the Presence, and the Person. And even when we can’t speak His name, we can make sure we bring His presence with us everywhere we go. Invite Jesus to go with us into every conversation, every meeting, every phone call, every text, every word written, every action, in all things. Present with us on any and every platform He gives.
If we practice this in 2013, then . . .
. . . who will be apologized to that wasn’t before?
. . . what relationship will be made right?
. . . who will be thanked that never has been before?
. . . who will be told they are loved that hasn’t before?
. . . who will be encouraged that before was discouraged?
. . . what situation will truth now enter?
. . . what heart will be healed?
. . . what bondage will be broken?
. . . what family will be restored?
. . . who will see and hear Christ in us like never before?
. . . who will come to know Him as a result of us acknowledging Him?
. . . how many lives will be changed because His life is alive in us?
Your life can take on a meaning and a satisfaction that you never knew possible, if you commit to take up your cross daily and submit to Christ. As ironic as it is, much of God’s plan to reach the world is by others seeing His difference in us. In me. In you. Then seekers can find where the search ends . . . Jesus.
Let’s put Him at the center of all we do in 2013. Not our personal agendas, politics, plans, and programs. Just Jesus.
Lord, may I be a man You can count on to be Your mouthpiece in any situation, because my heart is fully Yours. Amen.
What you’re after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life. —Psalm 51:6 MSG
2 comments
Bobby Bentz December 27, 2012
Robert, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. In February, it will already a year since the men's conference. I'm already getting excited about the one this year. Such an empowering weekend. I fully agree with your blog and pray for those who put Jesus away till next year. On During this holiday I noticed something I never noticed before. There are more and more people every year that celebrate Christmas, get into the holly jolly spirit, do the gift giving, decorate a tree and so forth. But when when it comes to Jesus, He is just that thing in the background that no one mentions. No one celebrates poor old Jesus! There are so many people that celebrate all of Christmas except what it really is, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. I even met a lady that questioned me on my faith and bluntly told me that she didn't believe that Jesus was the on of God but her and her family believe in celebrating Christmas! We went on to have an interesting conversation. I'll save that one for my books. Ha. Well we must keep them in our prayers that God touches their hearts in the way He touched our own, because now that we know, we are accountable. I really enjoy your blogs Robert. God bless my friend.
Robert Noland December 27, 2012
Thanks so much, Bobby. I really appreciate your support. Have a great year!