There’s a familiar saying we’ll hear over and over again in the next week: “I’m making a New Year’s resolution to …”
Some of the more popular Top 10 Resolutions that we make are:
~ Give more to charity – time and money
~ Begin a new fitness routine
~ Learn something new
~ Get out of debt
~ Get organized
I just love the New Year and what opportunities it brings. I say, “Time for a change - change is good!"
Isaiah 43:18-19 says this: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
It's never too late to start over...
The enemy wants to you think that where you've been and what you've done dictates where you're going. But that is "flawed thinking"! God's grace enables us to begin again. It dares us to take a chance on something new and exciting.
As Christians, we are new creatures in Christ. We have a new beginning. We can establish new habits that are godly and useful. We can find new inspiration and a fresh new revelation as we read and study God’s Word. Who doesn’t like a clean slate – a new chance to have a "do over"!
There are four steps to accomplishment: First, plan purposefully; second, prepare prayerfully; third, proceed positively; and fourth, pursue persistently. (Anonymous)
The Apostle Paul instructs us to know Christ in a new intimate way. That kind of intimacy caused him to “press on and lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:10-12). Through God's Word we have a revelation that brings a fresh, spiritual comprehension, which in turn acts as the catalyst to enable us to live out our Christianity with boldness and faith.Our confidence cannot be in our flesh, but in the power of God. Look to Him with the expectation of what He can do in us and through us. As Paul states in verse 13-14, “but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. -Ronald E. Osborn
In the book of Revelation, John tells us that those worshipping before the throne of the Lamb will sing a new song. In his vision he gazed upon a new heaven and a new earth.
What a great lesson for the New Year! We have “New Life” resolutions! Look forward, not backwards. Keep your eye on Jesus and the heavenly goal. Pattern your new ideas and habits on what the Word teaches. Model yourself after your Maker and Master. Fix your gaze upon Jesus…He is all you need to walk in the newness of life.
The vision to see, the faith to believe, and the will to do will take you anywhere you want to go... (Anonymous)
The vision to see, the faith to believe, and the will to do will take you anywhere you want to go... (Anonymous)
Frances Ridley Havergal wrote the hymn Another Year Is Dawning in 1860 as a celebration of New Year’s Eve and looking forward in faith to God’s blessings. What a beautiful tribute to what a new year can hold in store for us…
Another Year Is Dawning
Another year is dawning:
Dear Father, let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with Thee;
Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies
Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness
In the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning
Upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting,
Of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service,
Of witness for Thy love;
Another year of training
For holier work above.
Another year is dawning:
Dear Father, let it be,
On earth or else in heaven,
Another year for Thee.
Here’s to a new year full of hope and anticipation in what God has in store for us!
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.
No comments:
Post a Comment