“For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

What does God want me to do? What is God’s will for my life? These are common questions, especially for a new believer in Christ. Yet, I think about how many decisions I must make daily and I pray: “God, what do you want me to do?” It’s good to pray for direction and guidance when making major decisions in our lives. However, we should pray for everything else because the decisions we make today will affect our futures. The apostle Paul wrote that God’s will is our sanctification. The word essentially means to be “set apart.” We are not driven by worldly values or worldly views. Our standard is Jesus Christ and as followers of him, we are different.

With this in mind, our focus should not be on what we do, but on who we are; our character, which is molded by who we represent. Our focus is not what nor how, but why we do what we do. Jesus was the perfect example: He was beaten, robbed, abused, and He suffered to death. Why? Because he knew who He was and why He was here – He knew His purpose. He had the right motive and was driven by His love for all of us. That’s awesome!

MONDAY | Personal

We will start the week by focusing on our motives. Let’s ask God to give us pure and sincere motives for doing what we do. Regardless of what you do for a living, may your motivation be: “whatever I do, I do it for the glory of God.”

TUESDAY | Finances

Pray that your giving reflects what God places in your heart. Giving should be for the glory of God.

WEDNESDAY | Family

Let’s continue to pray for the spiritual, physical, and financial health of our families. May God continue to bless them!

THURSDAY | Church

Today, we pray for the Church, especially for those involved in the event occurring in December.

FRIDAY | Leaders

Continue praying for our Church leaders, such that God will continue to provide them the wisdom and understanding to be effective leaders.

SATURDAY | Co-workers/Classmates

Another key group to pray for are our coworkers and or classmates. Pray that God will give you opportunities to invest in their lives.

Sunday | Lost Souls

Finally, let’s pray for the people we are inviting to Church on Sunday and for all the people God will add to the Church over the holidays.

 ^“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” – John 13:34

As we reflect on the “What’s in it for me” series, we read the gospel of John that we are called to love one another as Jesus loved us. Understanding that Jesus’ love was sacrificial and unconditional, then to love one another is quite the opposite of the statement: “what’s in for me,” which, in fact, sounds quite selfish.

What if we could love without expectations? What if we could love in a way that fulfills the expectations of others and not our own? Certainly, this kind of attitude would be Christ-like and truly make a difference. The attitude that says: “I owe this love to my wife or husband and she/he owes me nothing.” You owe me nothing and I owe you everything. This would revolutionize relationships in the home, neighborhood, and in the Church. Imagine if every new person that walks through the doors of the Church would receive this kind of treatment!

MONDAY | Personal

Pray that God shows you ways you can employ the one-week challenge. If you are married, start with your spouse. Show unconditional love to your co-workers, neighbors, and friends.

TUESDAY | Finances

Ask God to instill in you a heart for giving out of love.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

WEDNESDAY | Family

Let’s continue to pray for our families. Pray for God to give us the attitude of “you owe me nothing; I owe you everything” towards our families.

THURSDAY | Church

Choose a specific person or family in the Church and pray for God’s provision in their lives.

FRIDAY | Leaders

We continue praying for our Church leaders, asking that God will use us to help the Pastor and the leaders fulfill the vision God has given them.

SATURDAY | Co-workers/Classmates

Today, let’s pray for opportunities to invest in our coworkers and or classmates.

Sunday | Lost Souls

Finally, let’s pray for the people we are inviting to Church on Sunday. Ask God to open their minds and hearts to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.