New Year’s Resolutions
Well, it’s the beginning of a new week!
It’s the beginning of a new YEAR!
It’s the beginning of a new DECADE!!!
And, if you are like most people, there are probably a few things you want to change…..things you would like to “do over”….goals to set….”resolutions” to make.
Like me, you may have looked back at the last ten years (wondered WHERE the time has gone), taken inventory….rejoiced over victories….lamented over failures….
Thankfully, each year offers an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to Christ. Thank God that He offers “do overs”, and no matter what 2009 was like, good, bad, or in the middle, we have the gift of a new beginning.
I tend to look at all of the things I WANTED to do in 2009, but didn’t. I tend to “beat myself up” about not accomplishing all that was on my heart. But, Lord, You are merciful, full of grace, and very patient- even when I am impatient. Thank You that this is a chance to renew my mind in Your TRUTH!
I am choosing to thank God that I am a new creation! The old has gone and the new has come! I put off my old self, right now, right here where I am. I am putting off the old self- the old mistakes, the old failures. I am made new in the attitude of my mind and am putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. “I am getting rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” I am choosing to be “kind and compassionate to others, forgiving just as in Christ God forgave me.” I am purposing to be an imitator of God, as a dearly loved child and choosing to live a life of love. Like Christ, I am purposing to “give myself up as a fragrant offering and a living sacrifice to God.”
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for Christ Jesus took hold of me…But, one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…” –Philippians 3:12-14
Father God, pour out Your Wisdom on me, Lord, as I come to You at the beginning of this New Year. Give me a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation so that I know may know You better. Lord, I want my resolutions to line up with Your Will and Your perfect plan for my life. I know I can make all of the plans I want, but they will only succeed if they are Yours. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but t is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” So, I am purposing to “trust in the LORD with all of my heart, NOT leaning upon my own understanding, but acknowledging You, God, in every area of my life, every ‘resolution’ I have, then You will direct my steps, You will make my paths straight.” I know You have “plans for me. Plans to prosper me and not harm me. Plans for good and not evil.” I thank You, Lord that You have a purpose for me and that You already have a calling in store for me. For I am “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do!” So, Lord, with Your help, let me dedicate this year, 2010, to You. Let me purpose in my heart and mind, and with my actions glorify Your Name with my life. I want to choose to be “a living sacrifice,” giving You all that I am, and everything I have. I can only do it by the power of the Holy Spirit! I can only do through You! Thank God, I can only do all things THROUGH Christ, who strengthens me! Thank You, God that I don’t have to do it on my own! Praise You, Father! Praise You, Jesus! And thank You, Holy Spirit!
Praying that you have a wonderful 2010 filled with His grace, love, joy, and peace!
Tracy
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Great post. It’s funny though how we tend to wait till the new year to ask for “do overs”when we can play the do over card with God at any time in our lives. I need to remember that!
I’m thankful for His mercies that are new every morning.
Hugs and blessings,
Kim
Thank you so much for sharing this marvelous New Years prayer with us, Tracy. May I stay focused on Him and His will in 2010.
Tracy thank you for this devotion, challenge and beautiful prayer. I too am thankful for a New Year. A clean slate, and the forgiveness of God.
May it be a blessed New Year for all of us as we walk closer to Him!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
I have made a committment to make this new year, this new decade one that I will grow in His understanding in ways I have never done before!
Tracy,
Thank you for this. The prayer was such a blessing to begin my new year.
Blessings friend.