My New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Eve is traditionally a time to compare the past with what we want for our future. We reflect on the changes we prefer or need to make. Then we resolve to rid our self of our bad habits and to replace them with good habits, which will help us to reach our desired success in life. How often, though, do we stick to our resolutions?

I find greater success by following God's formula for change all through the year. We are like a creeping caterpillar, spiritually dead. If we continue to walk in the ungodly deeds of the flesh, we do not belong to God or have His Spirit in us (Romans 8:9). We are not able to compare with the majestic butterfly flitting on glorious wings, dancing upon the sunbeams, dining on nectar, playful and full of life.

As we surrender to God, we wrap in the chrysalis of His new birth. Through the process of sanctification, we emerge resplendent in Christ's divine nature and character, which He forms in us over a lifetime in His presence (2 Peter 1:4). God's Spirit enables us to refrain from conforming to the world, and to conform to Christ instead (Romans 12:2).

The blood of Christ draws us near to God, and His Spirit renovates our soul (Ephesians 2:13). Our inner transformation influences our outward response to the world and to God’s will for our life. We bear fruit in all that we do, as we grow in our understanding of God and His ways (Colossians 1:10). We continually reflect more of the glory of God through our thoughts, words and actions (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The message of the Gospel of Christ gives us the power of God, which transforms us from the inside out (1 Corinthians 1:18). God’s Spirit renews our mind and creates in us the desire for holiness in the image of God (Ephesians 4:22-24). His divine power gives us everything we need to live godly lives and to follow the leading of His Spirit (2 Peter 1:3-11).

Prayer:

Lord, help us to resolve to follow Your will for our life, giving You prominence in our thoughts and obeying You in all we say and do by the power of Your Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13-14). Help us to shed the trappings of the old man and to soar in the freedom of Your Spirit (Ephesians 4:22-24). Remind us to live by faith in Your faithfulness and to walk in Your righteousness (Romans 1:16-17).

Thought for the Day:

When Christ appears, we shall be completely like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. - 1 John 3:2-3

Busy Bee

Read: James 1: 2-4

“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” ~ James 1: 3

While weeding in my butterfly garden, I watched an industrious bee flitting from flower to flower. During this process, the pollen weighed the bee down as it gathered more and more of the gold dust on its body. I suddenly realized that in our daily life we gather the cares of the world, which weigh us down too.

There is a positive side to this story. The bee cross-pollinates as it flies from flower to flower, and the nectar is used to make honey. Rather than allowing our cares to weigh us down and give us a negative attitude, we can patiently change our focus and look at them as ordained opportunities from the Lord. They give us the opportunity to carry the Good News from one life experience to another. In every encounter we can share the love, peace and joy of the Lord with everyone we meet. This way we are a blessing wherever we go, just like the busy little bee.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the trials of our faith, which are worth more than the finest gold, and which produce in us character that will not perish when we go through the fire of testing.

Thought for the Day:

Character tested by trials results in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.