Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
There is a need for us to throw off everything that hinders us from the one thing we as believers are to be about: Christlikeness....for our own happiness in this life and so that others see an accurate representation of what a Christ-follower looks like.
And yet, when we make these resolutions, they seem so hard to keep. What's that about?
We have an enemy who wants to kill, steal, and destroy any strides you make spiritually. SO what does he use, but distractions, the very things you are trying to throw off of you to trip you up and get you off the path. And get this: he even uses good things....even churchy things...he is cunning and crafty, make no mistake about that!
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Dale, Jorja and I attended a local church service this past Sunday while Cole was at Passion 2010. We got there late and thus had to sit directly behind the sound booth. All kinds of things happened in the sound booth. People walking around to go the the bathroom. People talking about something that was not working in the sound booth. People in the sound booth trying to help find more seats for others who had arrived late. It was at the least chaotic.....in church! I had such a hard time staying attentive to the message being spoken! To stay engaged with the speaker and with God while all of that was going on around me was difficult! Really difficult!
But what the Lord spoke to me was this: This is the world you live in day after day. There is much busyness and demand. There is chaos and movement constantly. You must learn to focus on me even in the midst of it. You learn to be attentive to me no matter what goes on around you. You must discipline yourself to set your eyes and heart on Me and Me alone, no matter what is going on around you.
Philippians 3:13-14
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Isaiah 50:7
Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint
So what is the key to your resolutions? Both physical and spiritual? Ask God to be a part of them and help you. Then, discipline yourself. Make up your mind to do these things first and foremost BEFORE anything else. Invite the Lord to help you keep your resolutions...ask Him to help you train yourself, and to help you remain focused amidst such chaos in your world. He desires this for you as much as you do and He will be faithful.
Surrendered,
Jena
