Then once more

you shall see the distinction

between the righteous

           and the wicked,

between one who serves God

and one who does not

                    serve Him.

              Malachi 3. 18

(Not a matter of affiliation

     but affection.

We are what we love.

As believers

    and followers of Christ,

our lives should be marked

and distinguished

by what we choose,

what motivates

    and energizes us,

what we love,

what we talk about,

how we respond,

what we seek and pursue,

how we love others,

how we choose to spend time,

how (and with what) we share,

how we live selflessly

              and faithfully,

and Whose name we bear.

One who has been forgiven

and extends forgiveness

cannot help but live differently.

Not marked by what

             we have done,

but what God

    has done in us.)

O LORD,

Enlarge our hearts

that we would see differently

and respond as one

     who has been loved by You.

May we serve You

   even in that which

   doesn't look like service

        but sheer love.

Help us to faithfully sow

and plant and nurture

that You would bring fruit

   beyond our lifetimes,

just as others

   we may not even know

provided fruit in our lives.

May we be marked

    and known as Yours.

May we know and find

        Your grace

to help in time of need.

             (Hebrews 4. 16)

Help us to live differently

        into this day

and into the new year

   that You have given to us.