Beyond the Weekend

January 5 | Not Like Everyone Else

January 5, 2021

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Deuteronomy 6:4

Read: Deuteronomy 6:4
Listen: 
Deuteronomy 6

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Worshiping many gods was the norm in Egypt (where the Israelites lived for 400 years). In the land of Canaan, their new home, the people also worshiped lots of gods. And the Romans who occupy Israel in the time of Jesus worship many gods, too. In the midst of this, the Israelites stand out. They don’t turn to one god for their work and another to solve family problems. They trust Creator- God for everything. They are not like everyone else, which is good because it puts the spotlight on God and draws others toward him.

If we are a Jesus-follower and take our faith in the God of the Bible seriously, we will also look different. Our boundaries for dating will be different. How we spend and share our money will be different. The way we speak, listen and relate will be different in our marriage, at work, at school and everywhere we go. It is good we trust God in all these areas because our different choices and behaviors put the spotlight on God, who wants all people to come to him.

If this sounds hard, it is. We can’t do this on our own. But if we ask, God will help us. The Bible teaches, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Start 2021 by deciding, “I will be different.” Write this phrase on a sticky note where you will see it and add Philippians 4:6 as a reminder that he will help you do it.


NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.

Today’s reading is Matthew 2.

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