New Year's Resolutions

I've been hearing a lot about New Year's Resolutions lately, no surprise.  I gave that up years ago, I don't have the discipline to get past the first week.  Maybe that'd be a good one...

Anyway, it seems to me that resolutions of any kind are about improving your life, making the next year better.  The only sure way to do that is to get more connected with the plan God has for you and trust Him more with the outcome.  None of us has control over the future and if we think we do all we have to do is refer to Luke 12:16-21. 

The problem is that deciding to do something differently doesn't give us the power to do it.  The only way to truly change our lives and the way we live is to change our thinking.  Rom. 12:2 says that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we are, first, not conformed to this world's thinking, and second, able to prove, or demonstrate, what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. The transformation, or changing, of our lives for the better, comes through the renewing, or upgrading of our thinking from the natural, worldly patterns to the Godly, spiritual patterns.  The renewing comes through the Word of God.  In Mark 4 Jesus demonstrates to us that the Word of God bears fruit in our lives dependent on the attention and position we give it. The book of Proverbs is all about understanding God's way of thinking and improving our lives through it. 

The Word will change the way you think, but as demonstrated in Mark 4, it is a seed.  If we make a decision to make it first place, read, study, meditate on it continually, our thinking will be transformed, and by it our lives will be transformed.

Here's a thought.  Give the Word of God a new place in your heart and mind this year.  Even if it's a little.  A scripture a day to meditate on.  A chapter or concept.  Don't be discouraged or feel condemned if you forget or slip up.  Do better tomorrow, and the next day.  Remember, it's seed.  When it bears fruit, it changes your thinking, priorities, and focus.  Give God an open door.  Rev. 3:20 says He's knocking at your door Christian!  That verse is for us not the unredeemed.  Open the door. Let Him in to spend time with you. 

I think that's my New Year's Resolution.  Plant more of the Word in my heart, and have dinner with God more often.

Happy New Year!