Happy New Year! I am so glad you have stopped by tonight! My "goal" for the new year is to put my main focus each day on God! No matter what I am doing, to make Him my priority and work as though everything I am doing is for Him! In starting toward my goal, I have decided that instead of toasting in the new year with champagne, at midnight, I will be focused on God's word. What better way to start the new year?!
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2
I started with this verse, because, first off, I need to give myself to God, my life, my work, my family, my finances, everything. Secondly, I need to separate myself from the world's views. By reading God's word, I know what is right and wrong according to God and no matter what the world (our government, hollywood, or others) try to tell us is right; I know the truth and must adhere to it… not change according to what others say I should.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3
When I give God control over my life, He will take care of my life. It requires a lot of faith to let go. His plans may not be my plans, but I must have faith that His plans are the best (perfect) plans for my life.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
This is what I must do first thing every day. That is my main goal for this year. I want to wake up and talk to God or just listen to God and read His word before my feet hit the floor each day. Before the world has a chanced to throw obstacles at me, I want to guard myself against losing my temper, getting distracted, whatever the devil can throw at me!
"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39
Next, I want to be a light to the world… to share God's word and love. If I first Love God with my whole heart, He can help me to love others without judging, without jealousy, without looking for what they can do for me, without a care of where they came from, how much money they have, what kind of house they have, if they have a house, where they go to church (if they go to church), without prejudice; just to love them and show them God's love through my actions and words.
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people," Ephesians 6:7
In all that I do, I should do it as if I were doing it for God. I want to do more community service. I want to find ways to help others. This could be in simple ways such as Random Acts of Kindness, paying for someones meal, sending a card to someone to encourage them, talking to someone I don't know because they seem lonely or depressed. There can be a million ways of sharing God's love with others everyday!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Okay, this is a big one… not worrying. I have to give it all to God, knowing He will take care of each situation. I must pray instead of worry. I must pray continually, but not anxiously. I must pray until I feel God's peace. Then I can rest knowing God has this!
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
I will repeat this to myself daily as a reminder. Nothing is impossible with God! He is the source of my strength and my Joy!
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:12-13
No, I'm not saying "tolerance" of things that we know to be sinful. God has commanded us to love even our enemies. We can hate the sin, but still love the sinner. We are all sinners. We must forgive others, the way God forgave us. There is no end to that forgiveness; there are no limits. God doesn't say, if the sin against you is bad enough then you don't have to forgive. He says Forgive… every time, for everything. We are not to hold grudges. It is amazing how it frees us by forgiving others!
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8
The old saying "garbage in, garbage out" is true. When you listen to and focus on bad things long enough, it does come out… in our words, our actions, our deeds. If we focus on God's word, loving others, helping, being encouraging, serving, then that will shine through all areas of our life. I truly believe that when we start by making God, the main focus of our lives, reading His word daily and sharing His joy, He will bless us abundantly. Our greatest blessings will be waiting for us in Heaven!I hope you all have an abundantly blessed year!
~JaAnna
