So many of us brought in the New Year in different ways. Some in church, some at a party, some at home with family, some at other places. No matter where you were, you received greetings, messages or calls wishing you "Happy New Year!" It is an exciting and anxious time. There is excitement because we expect to have a better year than the last. We hope to become better each year. To achieve this, some of us still make declarations or resolutions--some are kept, some are not. It can also be an anxious time because our expectations are so high.
My prayer for myself and others is that we simply draw nearer to Our Savior, Jesus Christ. When we do this, He will lead and guide us on to better paths. As we choose to spend more quiet time with God, praying and fasting, He is faithful to restore us and renew our minds. There is a reason this is mentioned in God's Word. Our Father knows we will not change unless our minds change.
I know it may be one of the least prayed for things, but I know it is what will make us Victorious! Once we walk closer with God, we are reminded who we are in Him
(James 4:8). We are made in His image (Gen 1:27). We are His Creation meant to give Him praise (Psalm 66:4). I was blessed to teach a Women's Bible Study for the first time last year and I took away a powerful scripture that I read before, but the Holy Spirit made it stand out bold and clear: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).
There is a reason things get better when we pray. There is a reason we feel relief when we tell Jesus all our problems and have faith that He will handle them. All things get better when you are closer to your Heavenly Father. When we rely on His Holy Spirit inside us to guide, lead and teach; He renews our minds. There is no greater feeling than knowing you are loved unconditionally, and have joy that can never be taken away (Romans 15:13). Who else would die so you could live forever? Who else would love us despite our faults and save us from sin? Who else could defeat death and rise again? JESUS!
He is who I want to be near all throughout this New Year...and Every Year!
Dear Lord, please help me draw nearer to you each day. Renew my mind daily and create in me a clean heart. Please renew a rightful Spirit within me, in Jesus' name. Amen
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
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