new year's commitments

It is almost the new year, and I want to challenge each of us to be careful with the new year’s resolutions or commitments we make.

I want to be closer to God, healthier, wiser, have more resources, be a better husband, father and friend, have a stronger and bigger church, preach with more impact … you get the point. So many commitments we can make that do lend to these being a reality. But many of those resolutions or commitments that we make end up going no where.

How we can we do this differently where the commitments stick? Maybe we take baby steps rather than giant leaps. Look at all who are impacted by the commitments and ask if they lead us all closer to God.

As I was thinking of this e-devotion a song came to mind …

Made for More by Josh Baldwin

'Cause I wasn't made to be tending a grave, I was called by name

Born and raised back to life again, I was made for more

So why would I make a bed in my shame

When a fountain of grace is running my way?

I know I am Yours, and I was made for more

We were made for more. Not for defeat but victory. Not for the mediocre but for greatness. Not for just surviving but thriving. Not for just getting by but winning.

It all begins in our hearts. Let’s start there.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Joshua 22:5 NLT

But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”

Luke 10:27 NLT

The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Who and what we love makes a difference, and it even reveals what is in our hearts. This is a time to be careful or to choose wisely.

May this new year find us even more confident in our faith and walking closer to God. Happy New Year, and thank you for allowing me to share these e-devotions with you.

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