Every Day Faith - January 2020

The theme for our PAOC General Conference in 2020 is timely—in fact— “It’s Time!” General Superintendent Dave Wells explains the rationale:

Similar to how my grandparents boldly launched into the future, “It’s Time” for us as a Fellowship of churches, ministries and leaders to engage in fresh adventures of mission rooted in lives of spirit and truth. For that reason, at General Conference 2020 we have structured our plenary sessions to provide concentrated opportunities to focus on our shared mission, character, theology and future.

“It’s Time” – for missional fruitfulness; churches that are vital and multiply. In the light of our 2020 Initiative goals, we will evaluate our current missional integrity as we look forward to greater fruitfulness.

“It’s Time” – for leadership that is spiritually alive and marked by integrity. We are recommitting to being leaders of faithful character who leave a legacy of spiritual intimacy.

“It’s Time” – for truth-based ministries that make disciples. We are considering our refreshed Statement of Essential Truths as we recommit to knowing and communicating His truth that sets people free.

“It’s Time” – to send called persons to Canada and the world. We are reimagining our response as we send global and Mission Canada workers into current and future realities.

“It’s Time” – for the future, now! Engaging our shared challenge and commitment to make disciples and develop the leadership of children, youth and young adults.

Even so, let us resolve to live and pray in an attitude and posture of acknowledgement that “It’s Time!” These are the days— 2020 is the year—for missional living with theological integrity and Christ-like character with an eye to both the future and eternity!




 



Proverbs 3:1-10
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Matthew 6:1-4
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Psalm 51:10-17
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in  burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Matthew 6:5-13
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is  unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’"

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