Good morning church and Happy New Year. We have officially made it to 2020. Yippee. In fact, it is the 4thday of the new year. That means that a large percentage of those that made resolutions have already faltered or broken at least one of them. Why? Because change is hard. Being committed to something is difficult. It takes effort and intentionality. It also helps if you have a goal or goals in mind that are worth pursuing.
During the last part of the year I always take the time to think through various goals for the new year. I also evaluate how I did on the goals from the previous year. I spend additional time in prayer and in God’s Word seeking to ensure that what I am aiming for is in line with God’s will for my life. As the Bible says, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose (or decree) prevails.” It also says that, “Man makes his plans but the Lord orders his steps.” Of course, one extreme would be that, “There is a way that seems right unto man, but in the end, it leads to death.” It is wise to strive to avoid that outcome. In the book of James we are warned against being presumptuous in our planning. He reminds us that our life is like a vapor or mist, that appears for awhile and then is gone. Please note that he doesn’t teach to not make plans. Rather, not to assume that you can know everything that is going to happen in your life. However, it is wise to set goals or establish the direction in which you want to go. For instance, if you want to read through the Bible this year, it only takes about 15 minutes per day if you start now. If not, you can wait until mid-December and try to read it all at once. Either way, you can do it. It does seem prudent to read it over the course of the year so that you can think about it, meditate upon it, and grow in your understanding.
So, here we are at the start of a new year. God is giving us more time. Of course, we aren’t guaranteed anything. But, we should seek to make the most of the time that He does give to us. The question that each of us will need to wrestle with is, “what does that look like in your life?” How does God want you to spend your time (and your money) this year? What does it look like to put Him first and live for His glory? With the gifts, talents and abilities He has given to you, what does He expect you to do with them? If we really are to live for the advancement of the Gospel, what does that look like for you in 2020? Please allow me to encourage you to take the time and consider these questions. Take them to the Lord in prayer. Search God’s Word for insight. Write them down in your prayer journal. As you receive clarity, then commit to living it out as best that you can.
To God be the glory!
Pastor Larry
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