Happy New Year! 2016 is upon us!

       As this New Year starts, I ask myself what do I need to change?  What do I need to keep on doing?  What difference will I make this year?   These questions are different than making New Year’s resolutions as they ask us to reflect on our lives and take a few minutes to analyze our motives and direction.

 

        What do I need to change?  King Saul was anointed King by the prophet Samuel.  Samuel describes Saul’s transformation in 1 Samuel 10:6-7 “Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.  Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do for God is with you.”  Samuel told Saul the Lord would empower him through His Spirit to do the things he needed to do.  What about you?  Are you trusting the Lord to help you change what needs to be different in your life’s circumstances or character?  You are not without power. You have the indwelling Holy Spirit to help you achieve that which seems impossible.  ” For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1: 37

 

       What do I need to keep doing?  Here you and I need to analyze what we’re doing that is working and glorifying God.  Pray and ask God for direction and guidance whether you need to keep on or turn in another direction.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” 

 

       What difference will I make this year?    One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 55:11  “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”  What this says to me is that God has a purpose and a work for you and I to do.  If we keep our focus on Him, He will do the achieving and He is always successful.  God is sovereign and His will for us will be completed.  We just need to be willing and step out in faith; He will do the work.

 

       I pray these simple questions stimulate your thinking as we begin 2016.  God desires that we honor and glorify Him in all we do and say.  Let it be so for each of us in this New Year.

 

Blessings anew,

 

Linda