A NEW YEAR IS UPON US...
"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:8-10, NKJV)
As the new year rapidly approaches--just hours away, many of us begin to contemplate the mistakes of the waning year, and look forward to a fresh start. Hopefully, we have grown in the year (almost behind us) and have learned new ways to handle the difficult situations and people in our lives. Prayerfully, we do not carry the old resentments, grudges, sins and errant behaviors into the future. In fact, it would be good if we would examine ourselves, daily, hourly, even moment by moment, assessing what things we need to abandon, and what we should put on.
Get rid of the things that bind us--carnality, silliness, talking too much, meanness, rebellious attitudes and behaviors and folly. This is another opportunity to begin to adorn ourselves with the beauty of holiness and the righteousness of God. It's a good time to shed the clothes of self-righteousness, coldness and indifference toward one another, and put on a new attitude of "esteeming one another more highly than ourselves". It's a great time to get fancy, dressed up in love and humility--casting off the filth of judgment, harshness, and self-seeking ways.
How can we do this? We must wash ourselves in the Word of God. Hiding it in our hearts, "that we might not sin against" God (and each other, for that matter!). You see, the Word, lived, keeps us from unrighteousness--not perfect, yet; but moving toward perfection, growing up in Christ, maturing in our ways and attitudes. It is our vocation--it's the work we have been called to. We have a manual--a guide. The Word of God will "order our steps" if we partake of it and purpose to instill it deep within--not just to know it, but to do it.
Today, as we get ready to usher in a new year, let us all purpose in hearts to take off the ways that "easily beset us", and "put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand", in this coming year. Make haste to get dressed for the battle, and keep your brother close, in heart, in prayer and in fellowship.
Have an abundantly blessed, and prosperous New Year!
Love and Blessings,
Lisa
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:8-10, NKJV)
As the new year rapidly approaches--just hours away, many of us begin to contemplate the mistakes of the waning year, and look forward to a fresh start. Hopefully, we have grown in the year (almost behind us) and have learned new ways to handle the difficult situations and people in our lives. Prayerfully, we do not carry the old resentments, grudges, sins and errant behaviors into the future. In fact, it would be good if we would examine ourselves, daily, hourly, even moment by moment, assessing what things we need to abandon, and what we should put on.
Get rid of the things that bind us--carnality, silliness, talking too much, meanness, rebellious attitudes and behaviors and folly. This is another opportunity to begin to adorn ourselves with the beauty of holiness and the righteousness of God. It's a good time to shed the clothes of self-righteousness, coldness and indifference toward one another, and put on a new attitude of "esteeming one another more highly than ourselves". It's a great time to get fancy, dressed up in love and humility--casting off the filth of judgment, harshness, and self-seeking ways.
How can we do this? We must wash ourselves in the Word of God. Hiding it in our hearts, "that we might not sin against" God (and each other, for that matter!). You see, the Word, lived, keeps us from unrighteousness--not perfect, yet; but moving toward perfection, growing up in Christ, maturing in our ways and attitudes. It is our vocation--it's the work we have been called to. We have a manual--a guide. The Word of God will "order our steps" if we partake of it and purpose to instill it deep within--not just to know it, but to do it.
Today, as we get ready to usher in a new year, let us all purpose in hearts to take off the ways that "easily beset us", and "put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand", in this coming year. Make haste to get dressed for the battle, and keep your brother close, in heart, in prayer and in fellowship.
Have an abundantly blessed, and prosperous New Year!
Love and Blessings,
Lisa
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