All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
At the beginning of each new year, many of us spend time reflecting on where in our lives and how we are doing personally and professionally.
We ask ourselves how we’re doing as a disciple of Jesus? How we’re doing as a man or woman of God? How we’re doing as a father, mother, sister, brother, or friend? How we’re doing as an employee, business owner or leader? It’s a time of assessment and reassessment. A time to commit or recommit ourselves to God first, and then to the people, plans, and purposes that He has placed in our lives.
HOW we assess ourselves is the key. What are we measuring ourselves against? What is the standard to which we are comparing our lives and accomplishments? As believers, the standard that we should be using to weigh our performance and progress in any area of our lives is the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures.
As the Word itself teaches us: All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. Notice that it doesn’t say ‘Some Scripture is inspired by God – but ALL – every single word. Not only do we have the living and powerful Word of God to teach and train us, it also rebukes and corrects us when we are in error we can ‘repent’ and readjust our course.
2 Peter 1 tells us that ‘His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness.’ Read that again, we have ‘everything we need’. Nothing is lacking, nothing is missing, nothing is broken.
Father God, thank you for being sufficient for all we need. Thank you for giving us Your Word to teach, train, correct and prepare us for all that we will face in 2024. Thank You that You have placed Your divine power in us, which gives us everything that we need to live our lives in the coming year. We praise You and give You glory that You have gone before us and prepared good works in advance, and now, we just have to walk in them – in Your power and by Your grace. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!
Rejoicing in hope,
Dion Elmore
Vice President