Happy New Year and a Joyous One!
Each year about this time, we all start making our “New Year’s Resolutions” to only find out by February 1st that we kept maybe a handful of them and those aren’t holding up to well either! I know that I can be the first to raise my hand and keep it raised.
As I pondred this perpetual dilemma that I face each year, I asked the Lord, “What can I do differently this year?” Honestly, the answer didn’t come as an epiphany to me, but a gradual answer that He has been giving me for months.
…and, so, out of resolute obedience to Christ — here are my intentional goals for 2018:
- Obey Christ…even to the point of death;
- Be delibierate in all that I do in Kingdom Work;
- Live authentically before God and others;
- Be and make Disciples;
- Give more than I take in all things;
- Daily die to self — Christ FIRST…me last;
- Be Jesus’ hands and feet;
- Be more tender-hearted;
- Put on Christ Jesus!
Resolutions are so easy to break — mostly because they are only made to ourselves. However, to commit to Christ my all — well, I don’t want to EVER fall short in my commitment to HIM. One day we will have to make an accounting for our works and that we were faithful in all that He asked of us, and I want to be found faithful in all things.
My prayer for you this coming year is that you will be obedient, intentional, and authentic in your relationship with Christ and with others!
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:12-21)
Azalea Trees and Tea Rooms 