Happy, Happy New Year!!!
As we start 2015, let us concentrate on this hope –we have yet another year to begin again!
Oh, I don’t mean those silly New Year’s resolutions that we make, but never intend to keep. I mean a chance to renew our commitment to the Savior, to live the abundant life He came to give us, and to be pleasing in His sight. What kind of person will you seek to be this year?
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
Somehow, after the excitement of a new year starting begins to fade, so does the ‘want to’ we use to hold. Then, towards the end of the year, we begin to fantasize about starting over and so, having had an attitude adjustment, we again celebrate the start of another new year. This time, this year, start by dreaming of a new you. One that has been changed by the all-powerful, unrelenting power of Jesus.
As you enter this new year, keep this scripture in mind:
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
That is great news! Christ’s love for us is unstoppable. If the powers of this world cannot stop His love, I can rest easy that not even my most ridiculous slips in behavior or my darkest sin can keep Him from me. What a picture of hope we have! But He does not stop there –He sends us help.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5
When was the last time you reached out for the Holy Spirit’s help? Do you take Him around in your back pocket only to forget He is there? Use the helper God has given you. He stands ready!
Remember, Christ has given us something no one else can –freedom from sin.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2
What is weighing you down today? Is it there because you feel there is nothing you can do about it or because you – yourself – have not given it to Him?
Friend, start 2015 off right:
1. Acknowledge Christ’s love for you and commit this year to Him.
2. Lean on the best friend you will ever have –the Holy Spirit.
3. Let go of what burdens you and find freedom!
In 2015, I want to be a warrior for Christ. I want to shout His praises for all to hear. I want to be on the frontlines of the battle. In order to do all that, I will be taking the same three steps listed above. Join me!
May you have a happy, healthy, and blessed New Year!!!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Thank you Elaine, I needed that reminder today!