How do you start your new year?Watching football? Going on a diet? New Year's resolutions?
How long do your new year's resolutions last?
In my younger days, I (Donna) regularly made resolutions. It made me feel better, I had goals for my life. Rarely did I accomplish the things on my list. In fact, I usually lost the list.
As I matured, I realized that God never talks to us about what we can accomplish. He talks about what He wants to do in us, about our inability to do much on our own. In fact, He says if we could do it, we would brag about it.
I found that a better questions to ask myself is "what does God want to do in my life this year?" I pray about it; sometimes I share it with others, usually not. After I have arrived at what I believe God has put on my heart, I pray and seek answers in His Word about that topic. As I read in the Bible through the year, I look for ideas, thoughts, words from our Lord about it.
I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned even more about Him and listening to Him about my, for Him in my life. I have learned how little good I can accomplish on my own.
What has helped me the most in this pursuit of God's work in my life?
First, learning to be quiet and read His Word and listen for Him. Do I hear Him everyday or every time I listen or every time I pray? No. In fact, I often don't realize it was Him until later. A thought comes, an idea, a kind word, a new perspective. Oh, that's not like me, that's like Him. But I have to be willing to hear and heed.
Secondly, I read great Christians from the past. Occasionally, I hear a current preacher or teacher say something that touches my heart and my spirit. But they are often watered down by the culture or repeating what someone else has said. But the great Christian writers/preachers/teachers of the past most often prayed more intently, listening more often, stayed quiet until they heard Him. Brother Lawrence, Oswald Chambers, C.S. Lewis, and A.W. Tozer have all made a huge impact in my life.
Third, I have studied the life of Christ and how exhibited His character as He lived on earth as a human being. How did He interact with other people? What did He say? What did He say that He would do for us, in us? How did He relate to the Father? If I want to change an aspect of my character, I don't do it by trying harder to do better. I don't do it by reciting that character quality and it's description. I do it by studying Christ and how He has exhibited that quality to me. As I know Him better and love Him more, He changes me.
Romans 12:1-2
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer 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. (NIV)
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer 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. (Message)
