Resolution- defined by Webster: The act or process of resolving. The act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones. The act of answering or solving.
I am not a fan of the concept of New Year’s Resolutions for the following reasons:
-If you need to resolve something, you should do it when it needs resolving! Not on a particular date.
-We should consistently be checking ourselves for improvement and begin that improvement immediately!
-Every single day is an opportunity to be better than the day before (spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, financially). Challenge yourself, give more, shake up your day with excitement and encouragement.
You should live so fully that at the end of each day you can sign off successfully in Jesus name.
It’s a new day, a new month, a new year, a new decade!
I like new. I especially enjoy the dawn of a new day. A fresh start, a new beginning, an opportunity to make today wonderful.
If you commit to the following 11 things, you will see your life change for the better and experience life abundantly!
1) PRAY: Find time in your day to spend with God, just the two of you. Read your Bible, listen to Praise music, talk to Him from your heart. That is what He desires. Then throughout your day, pray constantly by being your best. Smile. Encourage. Speak only kind words, encouraging words, leaving all gossip and rudeness behind. Get control of your thought life, refuse to worry or harbor bitterness. This is a life of prayer.
2) Communicate: gently, consistently and clearly. Even the best communicators look for ways to improve! Never assume anyone can read your mind…
3) Love-unconditionally: Love is a choice. If we fail to exercise love on a daily basis in our lives, we miss out on God’s best for us.
4) Listen: to what God is trying to tell you. Be still. Listen to those around you, without judgement, or quick answers, just listen.
5) Enjoy: all that is good in your life. Little things, big things, everything!
6) Cherish: your time, your family, your life, the season you are currently residing in. Whatever you are doing, do it in the spirit of excellence.
7) Give: as much as possible. Being a giver is simply awesome!
8) Receive: all that God has for you. Open your arms big, for the blessings He has will fill you up to overflowing. Let Him in.
9) Understand: there is no one on earth like you. You are unique and made you for a wonderful purpose. Walk in your purpose, fulfill what you were born to do-with all that is in you!
10) Let go: of all negativity, discouragement, bitterness. Make room for all the Light waiting to rush in.
We see this in the book of Proverbs (27:17). The power of friendship and the ways of encouragement.
God places people in our lives for many different reasons. One of my favorites is connection. You can have many friends, however it is the ones that you are strongly connected, intertwined, and eternally bonded with, that will make the biggest impact in your life.
Notice I didn’t say, treat others the way they treat you!
In living a life of love, it’s imperative to treat others (all others) with extravagant love. Because we know that when they hurt us, talk bad about us, or for some reason, dislike us God will take care of it. No need for us to get defensive, upset or angry (I have learned that for some reason, this leaves the person surprised-this could be your segue to talk to them about Jesus!) for we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7).
In your everyday life, treat those that you work with, live with, go to school or church with and others you encounter each day with respect, integrity and love. Be careful what you say to them and what you say about them. Keep it positive, keep it heartfelt.
~Spend more time with those who make you smile and less time with those who attempt to suck the life out of you!
~Those who gossip to you will also gossip about you. Steer clear!
~Treat every interaction with another person as an opportunity to make a positive impact in both your lives.
~Don’t be surprised when people don’t treat you well. The greatest person who ever lived-Jesus Christ-was treated like a criminal. It’s all in the way you react to it. Father, forgive them…..
Are you a worrier or a worshipper?
If we are so involved in worshipping God with our lives, we don’t worry. We leave our concerns at the feet of the cross and move on. This allows God to do what needs to be done. Who are we to think we can do things better than the Creator of the universe?
If we worry constantly, we don’t worship our God. Instead, we attempt to control things that we cannot control!
With that said, ponder on the following questions and consider where you stand. Does your answer line up with what you claim to believe? If not, change it!
Remember, we are one or the other because they can’t coexist in the same life.
Are you a healer or a conspirator?
Are you a bridge or an obstacle?
Are you compelled by love or condemned by hate?
Are you forgiving or bitter?
Are you fearful or free?
Are you kind or rude?
Are you complacent or concerned?
Are you a giver or a taker?
Are you a contributor to the problem or a partaker of the solution?
