PLANNING, PROMISING, PULLING

2 Timothy 1:9

“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.”

At the beginning of January everyone is talking about their New Years resolutions and plans to improve their lives better than last year. Some people start new exercise programs with cardio and weight lifting. Others promise to give up sweets and pick up fruits and vegetables for healthier living. While many people wish they could change unfortunately they continually fall short of the goals they make. Most of them just give up and stop trying before the second month of the New Year.

Where are you?

A) Planning to change

B) Promising to change

C) Pulling back from change

Are you PLANNING to change this year?

Change is good and brings strength to the soul.  God can relate to change and especially to intentional plans to change.

Jesus Christ was willing to change from His Perfect Place in Heaven to come down to the earth as a human being in an imperfect world and lived here for 33 years.  Then He died for all sinners and after three days He fulfilled God’s plan to conqueror death by His resurrection. When Jesus rose from the dead He destroyed Satan’s plan and gave us the freedom to choose Him and have eternal life.

You don’t need to feel you are alone. Jesus Christ experienced change that included pain, patience and power. He knows what you are going through and will give you the strength to plan and powerfully succeed the New Year of changes.

Elizabeth George

“When we spend time with Christ, He supplies us with strength and encourages us in the pursuit of His ways.”

Have you made PROMISES to God this year to change and grow in Him and fearful you will fall short? God will help you. Ask and seek the hand of God in your life and trust God to move and act with you and on your behalf throughout your day and weeks as you complete your promises of change. God promises to give us strength for our day:

“We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide. The promises cover every imaginable situation. All we need to do is to take the hand he stretches out.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 HCSB

PULLING back or pulling out of the New Year challenges to change and grow will only keep you stuck in the past. Now is the time to serve the Lord and move forward with Him as your guide and only source of hope. We are encouraged by the Scriptures to stand up and step out for God and then He will reveal Himself to us. God can be trusted. With the help of Christ we can walk in boldness with a humble heart and joyful spirit.

Be encouraged. Seek the Lord while He may be found.

Begin today praying and asking God to reveal to you what to do and how you need to clean out your life and become strong in Him.

If you ask Him the tough questions with an honest obedient heart, God will reveal His will and His answers to you.

You can’t do this alone. You will need the Lord to guide you to a Bible believing church home with a body of Christ followers who will mentor you and encourage you and your family.

God desires for you to become the godly person He created you to be.

Right now is the time to seek the Lord in prayer on your knees:

Dear Lord,

I can’t do this life on my own. I need You to intercede and be my guide on a daily basis. Help me Lord to have a deep desire in my heart to know You more. As I seek You in Your Word daily reveal to me the godly mentor You have selected for me to have as a godly guide and counselor. I am committing myself to You this year at this moment to grow in my faith.   Amen.