Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ The end of a year and the beginning of a new year brings mixed emotions. It is a good time to reflect on the year that is ending and to look forward to the year that is soon to begin. It is a good time for us to turn our thoughts towards making changes, setting new goals, and looking forward to positive possibilities waiting in the coming New Year. It is also a good time for us to take inventory of our walk with the Lord. We need to honestly examine ourselves and see where we have been, where we are and where the Lord wants us to be – a year end cleansing process which would help us to decide what is to be retained and what is to be given up in our lives. With Gratitude for the blessings of 2011, we have to reset our minds on Godly actions that bring glory to Him. Along with the change in year, our actions too should change for which we should take a very close look at where we are in our relationship with Him. § A deeper knowledge of Jesus, (Colossians 3:10) § A clean, holy life, (Colossians 3:5-9) § Godly virtues, (Colossians 3:12-17) § Holiness in our domestic life, (Colossians 3:18-21) § Holiness in our social life, (Colossians 3:22-4:1) § An effective prayer life – (Colossians 4:2) § A fruitful witness – (Colossians 4:3-6) In other words, we are to live like Jesus lived, (1 John 2:6). We have to live out the fruit of the Spirit in our lives day by day, (Galatians 5:22-23). We are challenged to live out our lives with genuine spiritual values, and not the values of a fallen world. We must direct our attention to the spiritual and the heavenly, to become enabled to live a heavenly, holy and God-honoring life in this world. We have to allow a heavenly perspective to govern our earthly walk! Every decision, every activity, every plan and purpose is to be considered in the light of eternity. Everything is to be laid out before the Lord and considered not from an earthly perspective, but from a Heavenly perspective. This is possible because of our Lord’s presence in Heaven. From His place at the Father’s right hand, Jesus makes intercession for us and He gives us all that we need to live for Him in this world, (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:31-34). Only this can bring the much desired peace and happiness into our lives. Destiny does not change with the change in year. Along with the change in year, our actions too should change for the better. The New Year does not bring anything new with it unless fresh and sacred thoughts originate in our hearts at the turn of a year. As we prepare to enter a New Year, may the Lord help us to realize who we are and what we have in Jesus. May that realization change our walk for His glory!
A STEP FORWARD
ReplyDeleteGreetings in the Name of Jesus Christ
The end of a year and the beginning of a new year brings mixed emotions. It is a good time to reflect on the year that is ending and to look forward to the year that is soon to begin. It is a good time for us to turn our thoughts towards making changes, setting new goals, and looking forward to positive possibilities waiting in the coming New Year.
It is also a good time for us to take inventory of our walk with the Lord. We need to honestly examine ourselves and see where we have been, where we are and where the Lord wants us to be – a year end cleansing process which would help us to decide what is to be retained and what is to be given up in our lives. With Gratitude for the blessings of 2011, we have to reset our minds on Godly actions that bring glory to Him. Along with the change in year, our actions too should change for which we should take a very close look at where we are in our relationship with Him.
§ A deeper knowledge of Jesus, (Colossians 3:10)
§ A clean, holy life, (Colossians 3:5-9)
§ Godly virtues, (Colossians 3:12-17)
§ Holiness in our domestic life, (Colossians 3:18-21)
§ Holiness in our social life, (Colossians 3:22-4:1)
§ An effective prayer life – (Colossians 4:2)
§ A fruitful witness – (Colossians 4:3-6)
In other words, we are to live like Jesus lived, (1 John 2:6). We have to live out the fruit of the Spirit in our lives day by day, (Galatians 5:22-23). We are challenged to live out our lives with genuine spiritual values, and not the values of a fallen world. We must direct our attention to the spiritual and the heavenly, to become enabled to live a heavenly, holy and God-honoring life in this world.
We have to allow a heavenly perspective to govern our earthly walk! Every decision, every activity, every plan and purpose is to be considered in the light of eternity. Everything is to be laid out before the Lord and considered not from an earthly perspective, but from a Heavenly perspective. This is possible because of our Lord’s presence in Heaven. From His place at the Father’s right hand, Jesus makes intercession for us and He gives us all that we need to live for Him in this world, (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:31-34). Only this can bring the much desired peace and happiness into our lives.
Destiny does not change with the change in year. Along with the change in year, our actions too should change for the better. The New Year does not bring anything new with it unless fresh and sacred thoughts originate in our hearts at the turn of a year.
As we prepare to enter a New Year, may the Lord help us to realize who we are and what we have in Jesus. May that realization change our walk for His glory!