Here are Some Thoughts to Consider for the New Year:
An abundant Christian life with real meaning and purpose can be had and held. This is about seeking, from God's most precious Word, the right way to proceed into the cruel world of life and relationships so we can make the best and most healthy choices. We must realize that we all need help to come through life not only with the right decisions, but with the tools, character, and ability to make our godly, Christ- centered life work, filled with God's blessings and purpose! Even if we have done life all wrong, so to speak, God can, and will turn it around when our attention becomes focused upon Christ, His precepts, from His Word.
Read John chapters 14:1-6 and 15:1-8; 11-14: Knowing you are Christ's friend and are called to abide in Him:
a. What is this plans vision and goal?b. How will you accomplish this goal?c. Who will help you be accountable?
a. So how do you treat others?b. How do you react to others?c. Are these actions inline with the character that Christ calls us too?
What should we do?
What do we need to consider and to avoid? For this quest, let us venture into God's most precious Word, and examine the Scriptures carefully to find His Will. Use one of our Bible Reading Plans, and for deeper insights and self study, ask what does this mean, how can I be changed because of these precepts and how will it affect my life if I do and… then do it! The Bible holds the truth for life today, including how to be building a Christ-centered abundant life. If you feel that the Bible is not the paradigm for your faith and practice, or your standard, then you will find yourself disappointed and hurt in life. The perspective we are to have is a desire for what God wants, not what we want. Our focus is to be on Christ, because He has the best plan for us! Our plans will only lead us to make the wrong decisions and miss out on the best opportunities and situations He has for us.
I urge you to start your year off right, seek God's Word and Will by recognizing God's love for you. Read and study His Bible as much as possible. In that way, you will be able to apply Biblical principles to help you decide what is right or wrong in relationships, and in life. Additionally, you can use the principles of His Word to spruce up your daily life, marriage, work or school; you can have a fantastic makeover through self-discovery and character in action in the course of your Bible reading. We can take a look at what we have done wrong, and then correct it by removing our false thinking and behaviors.
So, I challenge you to search the Scriptures and see what is contained in His book. Consider this: without the right attitude and perspective on life, without glorifying God and following His Will, you will not find the real, quality life, love relationships or contentment for your life! You will be taking a big gamble of what you get and forfeit what is priceless and precious.