(Phil 2:13) for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Well, it’s a new year and it’s time to set goals and get motivated. Time to leave the past behind and to press forward to the new things God has for us (Phil 3:13). God has put His desires in our hearts and it’s time to pursue them with a passion (Psa 37:4; Rom 12:11). Let’s forget the resolutions. It’s time for a revolution of God’s Spirit in our lives to live for the Lord and to be about our Father’s business (Luke 2:49).
Some people have asked me if it’s wrong to set goals. Are you kidding? When God places something in your heart . . . go for it! (Luke 9:51) Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem. (Acts 19:21) When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit . . . to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
But you say you lack motivation? Feel hazy? A little lazy? God works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure. That means He gives us the inspiration for the motivation, the drive to thrive, and the umph for the triumph. He has promised us power to live for Him and to do His will on earth (Acts 1:8). Now we just have to step out of the boat in faith (Mat 14:28-31).
The new year is a time to reassess your life. Out with the old and in with the new. Time to try something different and to shore up those weaknesses in our lives. What might be some worthy goals for the new year? Here’s some ideas: Less time on the TV/computer/devices; create a sensible exercise plan; eat less intensely and more nutritiously; make that dentist appointment; cultivate your mind by reading a few worthy books; add on a Bible study to compliment Sunday morning church; be more optimistic about life; tithe consistently; support a missionary; be less selfish with your time; follow through on that desire to volunteer; learn that musical instrument; plant a garden; daily devotions; plan that vacation you’ve been dreaming about.
This is what I figure: If something is placed on my heart I will surely pray about it. Then if I feel the Spirit in it, I’ll give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, then at least I tried. But what if it does work out? Then praise God for it. If you aim for nothing you will surely hit it. But you just might hit the bull’s-eye for what God has for you and life will definitely be more exciting.
Sometimes we get so caught up living life that we fall into that rut and life loses the luster it once had. The new year is a time to clear out the “clutter” of our lives and make sure we’re on the right path of things. Let’s not play it safe this year. LET’S GET MOTIVATED and get it done!
(Phil 3:14) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Louie
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