"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." -Luke 4:18-19 (NASB)
As a teacher, the end of the school year brings a time for reflection on the past year of teaching and learning for me and my students. This year I look back to see many changes in both my professional life and personal life. There were loved ones lost, but also awards and recognition. There were family triumphs and there were disagreements and disappointments. Each of these reflections focuses on me - what I have accomplished or what has happened to me. I tend to judge my year based on my perceptions and feelings, but what if I took at the bigger picture?
As Jesus spoke, reflected on the teachings of Isaiah (Luke 4:18-19), and looked ahead, He focused on His purpose or mission. He looked at what He was called to do to further God's kingdom on earth. Jesus knew His ultimate purpose and stayed true to what God wanted Him to accomplish while He was here.
God also calls each of us in a specific mission for Him. Whenever we take the time to reflect, we shouldn't center our reflections just on ourselves. We should spend time focusing on how we have lived for God, how we have helped those around us, and how we have furthered His kingdom. God is waiting to guide us and help us proclaim His favorable year!
Take time to reflect on the "big picture" and thank God for His favor, then ask God to help you grow in Him!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for a favorable year. Help me to continue to draw nearer to You and use me as an instrument of Your love and grace. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
As Jesus spoke, reflected on the teachings of Isaiah (Luke 4:18-19), and looked ahead, He focused on His purpose or mission. He looked at what He was called to do to further God's kingdom on earth. Jesus knew His ultimate purpose and stayed true to what God wanted Him to accomplish while He was here.
God also calls each of us in a specific mission for Him. Whenever we take the time to reflect, we shouldn't center our reflections just on ourselves. We should spend time focusing on how we have lived for God, how we have helped those around us, and how we have furthered His kingdom. God is waiting to guide us and help us proclaim His favorable year!
Take time to reflect on the "big picture" and thank God for His favor, then ask God to help you grow in Him!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for a favorable year. Help me to continue to draw nearer to You and use me as an instrument of Your love and grace. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
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