STARTING THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH GOD
Hey guys, soooo it’s almost 2017, crazy right?! Use this new year to start new and fresh with God. He honors our effort and wants us to grow not only in Him, but in life. As you set new goals, new priorities for the days, weeks, and months ahead, check out where God is in your plans and in your decision-making. Let me just preface this with the fact that as I am typing this post, I am preaching to myself as well, because ALL of the below are things God is still working on with me.
That being said, the WORD is the perfect place to begin when you’re thinking about starting fresh and moving forward.
Here are 5 scriptures and how each of them can individually help you start the year:
“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14).
Our failures are NOT terminal. We have to learn how to leave the past in the past and keep moving toward the purpose God has in store for you.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18–19).
God is all about redeeming the old and making things new. Allow him to do that. Allow him to grow you and show you parts of yourself that you weren’t previously privy to. Allow him to bring you new friendships/relationships without second guessing everyone and everything.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
Every day we wake up is a day we get to experience God’s grace and faithfulness. We have 365 days in 2017 and we have to refuse to take even a single one for granted.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
We have to let God serve as the filter for everything we say and everything we think.
P.S. That will sure cut down our lists of regrets at the end of the year too!
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Before deciding to hold a grudge this year, we have to ask ourselves ONE question: Exactly how much forgiveness has God shown us in our walk Christ? *drops mic* lol
Of course there are many, many others but this is just somewhere to start!
I pray this upcoming year will be a year of increase and overflow in your life. As you obey God unusually in 2017, WATCH IT HAPPEN!
Comment below if you have any additional advice, words or scriptures that you think may help any one of us as we embark this new year!
JaLisa <3