But we go in hopeful. Hoping for change, hoping for better habits, hoping for smooth sailing. We make resolutions. Eat better, exercise we promise ourselves. Maybe save more, spend less, be kinder, more patient, etc. These things are all good. And we should always strive to do better, (under the Lord's guidance and power), to take are of ourselves and treat others better.
My Pastor brought up a good point though about New Year's resolutions last Sunday. What if we make spiritual resolutions. Many people decide this is the year they will read through the Bible. That's a great start. But there are others we can do as well. How about reading a Proverb a day at the beginning of the day each month? How about praying each day for the fruit of the Spirit to be manifest in our lives that day? Galatians 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Read through the Psalms at bedtime. Make the habit of a daily prayer time each day....start with 10 or 15 minutes each day. Make a list so you have an idea and a focus for that time. I don't know about others, by my mind tends to wander when I sit without a focus. But don't forget to allow for the Holy Spirit to change it up if He decides to. LOL How about starting the morning with a worship song each day? Maybe gratitude needs to increase. Think of 3 (or more!) things you are thankful for each morning when you wake up and each night before you go to sleep. Lamentations 3:22-24 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” That's a good start for the morning. And for bedtime: Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
I'm sure you can think of many other "resolutions" to grow spiritually this year. Here's one more. If you don't belong to a church or meet with other believers that might be a really good place to start.
I'm a kind of "pray as you go" girl. So one of my resolutions will be to make that specific time of prayer each day. I am going to get back into the habit of reading Proverbs in the morning. I do the Psalms at night. A long time ago I set the alarm on my phone during the day to have "gratitude breaks." I think that is a good habit to start up again, especially since I find myself complaining too often. I also want to do the exercise and eat right thing. LOL
Growth and change for our bodies and minds is great. And we don't want to neglect those. But as the days get darker and darker here on earth, I believe we need to work with the Lord to make our light shine brighter and brighter. We also will need strength, boldness, wisdom and discernment for the days ahead. Spiritual discipline is needed to do that. My prayer is that you will sit with the Lord and ask Him what He wants you to do. Where He wants to lead you this year.
Lord, we all need to grow. We all can use a little change. Show us what You want in our lives. We may not know what the future holds, but we ask that You prepare us for whatever lies ahead. Help us to be disciplined and be ready for whatever you have for us, both good and bad. Let us go deeper with You this year than ever before. We worship You, our all knowing, loving Father. We are so thankful for the salvation You provide for us in Jesus and for the strength and leading of the Holy Spirit. You alone know what we need. We await Your instructions and leading. In Jesus Name, amen.
Take some time today and tomorrow to seek God and His will for you.
I truly with you a happy and blessed new year filled with the Presence of our Lord.
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