RE-UP WITH JESUS
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
The days past have been adventurous. We've had experiences of joy, sadness, growth, challenges, wins, and losses. These have created a mural in our minds. Some of these pictures we would like to keep, some we would like to delete. These situations all helped to make our murals creative and unique to each of us. Are we able to go back in time and change anything? No. We have the opportunity to de-clutter, de-tach, and de-lete anything that de-values our life and anything that will de-crease our time with God. However, moving forward, we can re-assess, make better choices, and prioritize God as we move forward in faith. Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." This verse helps us to prioritize. Prioritizing helps us to understand what is most important in our lives. When we put God at the front of our lives, He ensures that our needs are met. This does not mean that everything that we want we will get, but it means that whatever God wills for us will be granted. His will and plans for us are perfect. To seek God's kingdom and His righteousness means to live in that ongoing repentance from sin, and to lead and live the kind of sincere, genuine, from-the-heart, devoted-to-God lifestyle that Jesus has been describing and has shown us when He was on earth. It is a wonderful blessing to allow God to do a new thing in our lives. (Isaiah 43:19). As we embark on a new year, let us be intentional in allowing God to re-create us as we
[1. *Re-member* our Creator and *re-vive* our relationship with Him. Psalm 85:6-7, "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation."
[2. *Re-focus* our vision - And the Lord answered me and said: Habakkuk 2:2, “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it." God can give us a vision, a goal, or a revelation that will advance our personal relationship with Him as well as to advance His kingdom. It is important to write it down so we will not forget it.
[3. *Re-align* our purpose - 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV), "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." The Bible is clear that our ultimate purpose in life is to glorify God. We are to live our lives in a way that brings honor and glory to God. When we live purposefully, we can be confident that we are doing what God has called us to do. And when we do that, we know that He will be with us every step.
[4. *Re- fresh* our spirit - Acts 3:19 (NIV), "Repent then, and turn to God so that our sins may be wiped out; that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” God understands weariness, emotional exhaustion, and even spiritual fatigue. He’s made a way for us to be refreshed and renewed. He has just what we need in times of refreshing.
[5. *Re-set* our minds - Romans 12:2 (NIV), "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will." Our thoughts have the power to shape the way we perceive ourselves and influence how we interact with others. When negativity or doubt try to take up space in our minds—we must counter those thoughts with God’s Word and speak His truth to every lie. Our whole life is transformed when we work on renewing our minds. God’s way of thinking is different from the pattern of the world.
[6. *Re-claim* our power - 2 Timothy 1:7(KJV), "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." God does the impossible. When we see impossible, with God it means I'm possible. God calls us to do God-sized assignments. We cannot let fear and timidity keep us from using the gifts that God has given to us and place God in a box that only our minds can conceive. God has given us all we need to live daily as unstoppable over-comers. The choice is ours. God gives us the power to do Great things.
[7. *Re-start* our goals - Proverbs 16:3(NIV), "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." This is a humbling reminder that while we may have many goals and dreams, ultimately, God's purpose for our lives takes precedence. When we set new goals, we can be inspired to move forward with faith, even when the outcome isn't clear. As we walk into the unknown, let us embrace the new things that God does in our lives. As we move from 'de' to 're', let us excel at what really matters. Choose God's priorities, manage our time, and live on purpose. Only one thing is essential, and that is spending time with Jesus.