This is the first Sunday of Advent.
Wholehearted devotion brings alignment, movement, and fulfillment.
Warning Signs:
Distracted by What’s Temporary (worries, others expectations, yearning)
Diverted (not primarily in God’s direction)
Directionless (without God’s direction)
Disappointed to the Point of Stopping (discouragement has stopped the conversation with God)
Driven to Overdrive (working too hard, merit theology, working from mixed motives)
Dry (without the rivers of living water)
Wholehearted devotion brings alignment, movement, and fulfillment.
“If anyone wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way (“selfish ways”), take up your cross, and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” – Matthew 6:33
Seek – look for it until you find it, to try to obtain
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” – Romans 14:17-19
Turning away from a “me-first” approach to life, choosing faith over worry, rejecting life choices that are driven by other people’s expectations, we live more focused on God than anything else. We look to God as our source of provision, protection, and direction. We are moving and resting.
Moving – following Jesus
Fulfillment – finding my greatest fulfillment in God’s kingdom
Am I moving toward Jesus?
Am I finding fulfillment in Jesus?
What should we do?
1. Pray your loving devotion to God.
2. Ask God about your warning signs.
3. Receive and respond to God‘s gracious steadfast love.
4. Share the journey with someone in your church family.