In the book of Romans, Paul begs Christians to give their entire lives over to God because God sacrificed everything for them. Jesus gave up His life so that we could experience His unending love and grace. We cheapen His gifts if we refuse to align our lives with the way Jesus lived. 

But we give our lives to God by making Him the one thing we pursue above anything else.

So here are 5 steps you can practice—right now—to help you put God first.

Give thanks

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”

Psalms 75:1 ESV

Right now, take a moment to thank God for what He’s already done for you. Reflect on His faithfulness, and recount the stories you have seen and heard of His wonderful power.

Spend 5 minutes in silence

“Abide in me, and I in you.”

John 15:4 ESV

Abiding in Jesus starts with stillness. So right now, pause, take a deep breath, and give anything concerning you over to God. Spend 5 minutes centering your heart on the One who matters most.

Remember Whose you are

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

God loves you. The price He paid for you cost Him everything. So remind yourself of Whose you are, and reflect on some of the things God says about you.

Meditate on God’s Word

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Psalms 119:97 ESV

One of the best ways to find out how Jesus wants you to live is by spending time in Scripture. As you do, ask God to speak to you through His Word about what His will is.

Focus on what is excellent

“…If there is any excellence … think about these things.”

Philippians 4:8 ESV

You have been given the mind of Christ. If you’re not sure what you should think about, try asking yourself: What is praiseworthy? What thoughts and actions would honor God?

Make a list of whatever comes to mind, and pursue those things.

By practicing these steps every day, you can create habits that will help you pursue intimacy with God every day, and put Him first above everything else.

When someone hurts you or, worse, hurts somebody that you love, revenge can seem appealing. After all…

They were mean.

They were selfish.

They talked behind your back.

They broke a vital promise.

They lied about you.

They criticized you.

They ignored you.

They did the unthinkable.

They walked away.

They deserve to be punished, right? To feel some of that same pain? They deserve a consequence that will not only help them learn, but will be just as severe as the inflicted wounds.

And yet—because God sees things differently, both His standards and tactics can be surprising. And that’s why the apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Thessaloniki, said:

“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”

1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT

Paul’s words sound a lot like Jesus’ words—to love your neighbor as yourself; to do to others what you’d like them to do to you. (See: Matthew 22:38-40)

God’s ways might not always be easy, but they can always be trusted.

When we choose unforgiveness, hate and anxiety and bitterness will likely take root. But when we choose forgiveness (even though we might need to consider new boundaries), love and peace and reconciliation can flourish.

So, what about you? Have you ever been mean? Have you been selfish? Talked behind someone’s back? Broke a vital promise? Lied, criticized, or ignored? Have you ever decided to give up and walk away?

In our unique-to-us ways, we’ve all let someone down. We’ve disregarded God’s instructions and, instead, created our own instructions. We’ve messed up.

We deserve God’s wrath but, instead, He’s offered us His unconditional love.

Because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we didn’t get what we deserve. And even while hanging on that cross, breathing His last earthly breaths, He cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Jesus repaid our evil with extreme mercy, leaving us free to conquer evil with good. So today, let’s honor His sacrifice by treating others the way He treated us.

Company wide OPEN ENROLLMENT begins TODAY for ALL Full-time employees!

Great news…we have been given a rate hold. There will not be any increase in deductions for 2025.  ALL full time employes are required to login and make your selections.  This is MANADATORY!!.  This is the time where you can make any changes to your Benefits.  IF you do not want to make any changes, click the same benefit you currently have.  You will have the option to complete your enrollment online by clicking the link below.  IF you would like assistance or have questions, an enroller will be here on November 13^th at the South location and November 14th at the North location.  Enrollment will end on November 15^th.  Please take the time to review the attached slick which provides a quick synopsis of all the benefits or the entire 2025 Benefits booklet that is also attached.  You will be able to see what you are currently enrolled in and if you do not have your password, click the “Forgot My Password” link.  Remember that EVERY FULL-TIME employee must login to the website below and complete your benefits that will be effective on 1-1-2025.  Deductions will start 12-1-2024.  Also attached is a Summary of the

www.employeenavigator.com    Company code is Regal2020 for first time users.

I will be sending reminders for the next few weeks so please take the time to complete your enrollment.

AND THE CONTEST WINNERS ARE:

Teletubbies North Service for North side

Beetlejuice Chevy Service for South Side

Congratulations!