Happy New Year!

 

 

 

Many of you have probably begun thinking about your 2014 goals. Typically resolutions include losing weight, picking up a hobby, planning a vacation, etc...Regardless of the goals you want to accomplish this upcoming year, there are three very important facts we should not lose focus of.

 

1. God must be the priority in our life. Building our relationship with the Lord and seeking to please him in all of our ways should be at the forefront of everything we do. We should continuously build on the fruits of the Spirit--- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control--- as these impact all areas of our life. 

 

2. Be in line with the will of God.  “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). God has great plans for our lives, but we must be willing and obedient to his calling and have faith that he makes all things work together for our good. We can make plans but if they aren’t in line with God’s word or God’s will for our life, then they are meaningless.  

 

3. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.  We often take life for granted because we think “there’s always tomorrow”. The problem is we don’t know if there will be a tomorrow or what it will bring.  “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” (Proverbs 27:1). We need to approach each day as the blessing that it is from God.  Live each moment knowing that you are making good use of it.  That your life isn’t just flying by you without you making an impact.  Make your mark in life! With God's guidance, we should seize each day. Seek to love, to bless people, to serve, to grow, to live; not just exist! 

 

So as you set your resolutions, I encourage you to spend time in prayer. Present your petitions to the Lord and be open to his guidance. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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). 

 

I pray you have a Blessed, Prosperous, Spirit-filled, Happy New Year!