Definition: determined in character, action or ideas; set in purpose or opinion
Scriptures:Isaiah 43:18-19 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalm 51:10-11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
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Definition: determined in character, action or ideas; set in purpose or opinion
Scriptures:Isaiah 43:18-19 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalm 51:10-11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
THOUGHT
It is now 2024. As we look forward to this new year, we consider what we resolve to be, change or do this year, to ensure that we will have a positive outcome for ourselves and our families. But before you create this year’s resolution, I ask…Have you considered God’s plans for you?
Jeremiah 29:11 declares that God has plans for his children. His plans include His divine authority to prosper us; to provide a future and a hope. This is not something that we have to resolve to accomplish. It is already in God’s plan to provide. But why would God keep this promise if we are not willing to meet the minimum standards required of those who call Him “Father”, “Jehovah”, or any of the wonderful names we use to address the creator. To God, the way we live our lives matters; the way we treat others matters; the way we abide by His Word matters.
Even though we love God, we must honor “The One” with more than praise and worship. Our actions and how we live our lives reflect how we love and Honor God. So, I ask you… If our lives do not Honor God, why should this divine plan be accomplished for us? In reality, the desires of our humanity are in direct conflict with who and how God has instructed us to be. In our humanity we are more concerned about how, what, when, where and why our flesh is to be -satisfied. To increase our failure, this sinful world in which we live does not promote the spirit of goodness, love and mercy to be at the top of our mind in our everyday dealings. Consequently, we struggle daily to live a God-inspired existence in this world. We need the strength and courage of God to help us to live a righteous life.
To combat the many overwhelming temptations and struggles requires a heart that has surrendered to the will of God as we build relationships, manage our finances, nurture and feed our bodies, and determine our contribution to society. To remain faithful and walk righteously before God and humanity we must pray daily for God to give us a clean heart and to renew a right and divine spirit within us. Without a heart that has the spirit to do the will of God, why should God not cast us away from Him?
In Isaiah, God instructs us to forget those things of the past, as He is doing a “new” thing. He states in The Word that God will make a way in the wilderness and create rivers in the desert. It is my understanding that if we give God authority in our lives, we will receive guidance to make our way through circumstances that we have never faced and will be given provisions while we are going through. We are not bound by “what was” as we face the new “what is”. It is when we embrace the power of God to sustain us, no matter the test, that the history of how we did it before becomes obsolete. But to accomplish these things requires a relationship of trust that God can and will accomplish what God says. If we do not trust God during our times of struggle, why should God make new opportunities for us?
I pray that as you make your resolution for 2024, that you will consider these things and structure your resolution to align with the promises and provisions of God, our Father, sustainer and provider. I pray that your resolution reflects a willingness to let go of the past, trust in God's plans, seek spiritual renewal, and walk in the ways of The Word as you allow God’s transformative power to increase and shape your life in the year 2024.