Serving others is a fundamental aspect of what it means to follow Jesus. True greatness in the kingdom of God is not measured by power or position but by humility and a willingness to serve. Jesus Himself modeled this by washing the feet of His disciples, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and ultimately giving His life as a ransom for many. He did not come to be served, but to serve.

When we think about giving, our minds often go straight to finances. And while generosity with our money matters, giving is so much more than that. In Galatians 6, Paul paints a picture of a church that gives in a deeper way—a church that gives themselves to one another.

Sometimes, we don’t realize the value of what we have until it’s gone. It’s easy to overlook the ways God is moving in our lives and in our church community. But when we take a step back and reflect, we see that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s an act of worship.

We often think that making a difference for God requires extraordinary skills or achievements. But the truth is, God delights in using ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary purposes. This week, we heard the story of a 19-year-old young man who decided to follow Christ because of the faithful example of his friend. That friend didn’t preach a sermon or hold a degree in theology—he simply lived a life of faithfulness that reflected Jesus’ love.

Obadiah’s story teaches us that faithfulness is about living courageously and obediently in the unique circumstances where God has placed us. As an administrator in King Ahab’s palace—a man notorious for his evil and rebellion—Obadiah secretly remained loyal to God. While outwardly serving the king, he covertly protected God’s prophets, risking his life to supply them with food and water.

It’s the start of a new year, and if you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking about how things went last year and what you want to do differently this year. Maybe you’ve already assessed your habits—exercise, eating, spiritual disciplines—but have you taken time to assess your faithfulness to God? What would your life look like if it was just a little more faithful to Him this year?

Life can feel overwhelming at times, whether it’s the pressure to succeed, the weight of past failures, or the uncertainty of what lies ahead. In these moments, it’s easy to feel like we’re striving on our own. But the truth of the Gospel is that Jesus meets us in our struggles with exactly what we need. He is our Wonderful Counselor, guiding us with wisdom when we feel lost. He is our Mighty God, strengthening us when we are weak. He is our Everlasting Father, loving us with compassion even in our failures. And He is our Prince of Peace, calming our hearts and reconciling us to God.

During Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the imagery of serene peace: tranquil nativity scenes, silent nights under starry skies, and harmonious gatherings with family and friends. However, the peace Jesus brings surpasses these fleeting moments. It’s a peace that addresses the most fundamental conflict in our lives—the separation between God and humanity.

The concept of God as our Everlasting Father brings a profound sense of intimacy and comfort. Many of us live with impersonal connections that shape how we view God. We can begin to see Him as distant, like an abstract idea or a problem to solve. But Jesus’ words in John 14 challenge that notion. God is not a distant force or philosophy; He is a loving Father inviting us into a personal relationship.

Death is a reality that no one can escape. From the moment we are born, the clock of our mortality ticks onward. It can feel overwhelming to acknowledge the inevitability of death, but as Christians, we find hope in Jesus Christ, the Mighty God, who came to rescue us not only from sin but also from death itself.

The idea of Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor comes alive in Luke 6:46-49, where He compares those who follow His teachings to a wise builder who constructs a house on solid rock. Life’s storms—whether sudden and unforeseen or the consequences of our own actions—are inevitable. Jesus doesn’t promise to shield us from the storms but assures us that when we follow His words, we will stand firm. His counsel becomes the foundation that keeps us secure, no matter how fierce the winds or torrential the rain.

Being the light isn’t about having all the answers or living perfectly. It’s about letting Jesus shine through our actions. We glorify Him by stepping out in faith, serving others, and showing kindness in ways that point to His love. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, encouraging a friend, or simply being available to someone in need, our good deeds reflect the goodness of God.

You are not an accident. God created you with a purpose: to glorify Him. One of the most powerful ways to live out this mission is through generosity.

Generosity isn’t just about giving money; it’s about trusting God with all your resources—your time, talents, and treasures. When you live generously, you make a bold declaration: God is my provider, and I trust Him, not my possessions, for my safety and security.

Our culture often minimizes the value of individual lives, but Jesus tells us that each of us has a unique purpose—one that not only matters but has an eternal impact. This purpose is rooted in living a life that glorifies God and points others to Him. Jesus calls us to “greater things” than we could ever achieve on our own, and He assures us that when we ask in His name, He will work through us to accomplish these things. This kind of life—one that is truly on mission—starts with a foundation of prayer.

Our practices shape us deeply, influencing not only what we think and believe but also whom we love and fear. The world, especially through politics, often tries to teach us what to love, who to fear, and where to place our trust. But Jesus calls us to seek the Kingdom of God first and to let our hearts be shaped by practices that draw us closer to Him.

Our culture is full of messages competing for our attention, allegiance, and even our love. Whether through political news, entertainment, or social media, these “cultural liturgies” influence our hearts and minds, shaping what we love and where we place our loyalty.