All Things New

The beginning of each year gives me new hope and energy. How about you? Have you made resolutions or did you choose not to because of the self-condemnation that comes when you fail? I have been there and I have good news!

Realize that discouragement, disappointment and despair come from our enemy. He roams the earth, going back and forth, looking for someone to destroy. Don't let that person be you. When you feel discouraged and depressed, know that those feelings do not come from God but from your enemy. Our God is a faithful Friend and He gave each of us power to overcome. Speak boldly to the devil in the name of Jesus. Tell him where he can go. I have done this and felt God's peace that passes understanding. Praise God!

Instead of beating up on yourself, set your thoughts on things above. Check this out from Isaiah 65:17:

Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

Wow! That means that we won't remember the times we missed a goal or deadline. When this happens, we have freedom to go to God and ask Him to help us. And you know what? He will. He loves and cares for us and wants the best for us.

I challenge you to set goals for 2013, and when despair comes, use God's antidote--His word. Jesus did in the wilderness when He was tempted by Satan. We can too. Here are a couple encouraging verses:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you. . .Zechariah 9:9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 

While we look to a New Year of possibilities, let us also look to our hope of heaven and be renewed in our faith.

Father God, thank you that you are a God of new beginnings and that nothing is impossible for you. We put our hope and trust in you to carry us through this year and until Your Son returns to take us to the new heavens and new earth. Amen.

Let God Love You More

Verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

Now that Christmas 2011 is behind us and the New Year has already started, I have this great feeling of new beginnings. I want to do all those wonderful things that I bet are on your New Years Resolutions too:

1. Lose weight.
2. Drink more water.
3. Exercise more.
4. Give more.
5. Save more.
6. Spend less.
7. Get organized.
8. Stay organized.
9. Plan my work.
10. Work my plan.

I have to admit whenever I make New Years Resolutions, I fail within the first week. Yesterday in church I heard a new concept--Let God love you more. How could God love me more? Maybe He can't, but I can acknowledge more of His love if I am quiet in His presence and if I commit more time to prayer. When I think about it, experiencing more of God's love will require a response to love and serve Him better.

I think that means I will be doing the things on the above list--not in my power, but by trusting God in response to His amazing love and knowing He will finish the good work He started in me.

How do you approach the New Year? Are you making resolutions or will you let God love you more, then respond? 

Prayer
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for New Beginnings, for the hope we have in trusting You. Thank you that as we face new challenges and dreams, we can look to You for strength, faith and counsel. Amen.