The beginning of a
New Year!
As I reflect on the days, weeks, and months that have passed in 2018,
I see a journey with blessings and good things. But I also see regrets,
failures, and ways that my life has not been God-glorifying.
I see:
- Attitudes that should have been nipped in the bud, but were allowed to fester
- Anxieties that occupied thoughts, energy, and time when those anxieties should have been placed on God’s all-sufficient shoulders
- Old hurts and wounds replayed in the mind at the Enemy’s urging, rather than the forgiveness, love, and compassion that Christ offers
- Physical issues so frustrating that complaining and moping were the theme rather than gratitude
- Undisciplined time management that led to many wasted hours rather than time spent in Bible study, prayer, meditation on God’s Word, or encouraging others (to name a few)
- Poor choices in diet, exercise, and rest rather than choices that strive to glorify God in everything.
With all of that,
and more, in my rear-view mirror, how can I possibly move forward in to the New
Year?
The answer to that
question comes straight from God’s precious Word! His Word declares to us the all
that we have through Christ. And that ALL enables us to live a life
pleasing to Him --- a God-focused, Spirit-led, Christ-honoring life.
Romans 5:1-6 (NLT)
“Therefore,
since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God
because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ
has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, as
we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can
rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help
us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and
character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not
lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has
given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly
helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for sinners.
Colossians 3:1-4
(NLT)
“Since
you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities
of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think
about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life,
and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your
life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.”
Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)
“Always
be full of joy in the Lord, I say it again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you
are considerate in all that you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t
worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need,
and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which
exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 2:8-10
(NLT)
“God
saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this;
it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have
done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has
created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us
long ago.”
2 Peter 1:2-4 (NLT)
“May
God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God
and Jesus our Lord. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need
for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him,
the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and
excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and
precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine
nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”
HAPPY NEW YEAR! May
many blessings be yours in Christ Jesus!
Jude 24-25
“Now
to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the
presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority,
before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
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