Preparation for 2017

Psalm 1&2 “Rooted in the Word”

Who wants to be blessed or happy? Most would answer “I do!” But our way to happiness and blessedness is fraught with dangers set by our enemy the devil whose intents and purposes are in sharp contrast to the Almighty. Thus to be truly “happy” and “blessed” the psalmist directs our attention to the way of the “righteous”  which is compared to a tree which is nourished and grows in sharp contrast to the chaff, the leftover of the harvest, or ungodly amongst us.

He who has ears to hear should listen was the word of the Lord in Revelation. In doing so the righteous are able to distinguish or discern those that are the “chaff” of the field that walk with us each and every day who seek only their own way or scoff at God and his Word. Their words echo across the centuries; “I’m okay, you are okay” but we know from scripture that we are not for God says “there is none righteous, no not one.” Their philosophy is anti-God and the words of Col 2:7 remind us not to be swept away by their philosophy: “Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

 

As you begin this 2017 journey remember these words from Psalm 1 and Malachi 3:10: Earnestly desire to be planted and rooted by the streams of living water which flows from the throne of God. It is then that God will open his windows of heaven and pour forth blessings which cannot be numbered.

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Happy New Year!!! Be Blessed!~ Be S.M.A.R.T!

2013 has come and gone or soon will be. Many of us looked back and thought about where we had been and what we had accomplished. Some of our past goals were attained but many were left in the dust because resolutions are just that—resolving without measurable attainable points. Psalm 1 and 2 may well be called the introduction to the Christian Guide Book of where we all hope to be at the end of our life.  Our new year is just beginning and here is a helpful acronym with practical strategies I have come up as a way to start my spiritual journey into 2014. Be Blessed and Be: “S.M.A.R.T.”   

S =  I will set a specific goal of seeking wisdom using Psalm 1’s standards of the godly.  The godly choose not to follow the advice of the wicked having been trained by practice to be as the Bereans. They check scripture with scripture so that they might be able to discern both good and evil. [Acts & Heb 5] Secondly, they choose not to stand in the pathway of sinners because as the parable of the sower teaches–the seed sown there is plucked up by the birds and is unable to take root. [Matt 13] Thirdly, they choose to not sit in the assembly of the scoffers, those who ridicule and mock the ways of God. Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool (mocked). For a person will reap what he sows,”

Strategy: I once again have decided to use the NT/Psalms/Proverbs reading plan. I chose that from the list offered by bible.org which has 5 from which to choose. I will read daily; share a “seed thought” with someone so that God’s Word takes root and grows. I will also seek to but may not achieve …but that is what a goal is right; so I will attempt again to read a chapter from Proverbs each day of the month along with my daily reading plan. I will maintain my worship schedule of attendance at my  local congregation knowing that the world watches what you and I  give up and what you and I  choose. I am back in BSF and that takes volumes of time but I find it is rewarding …when I put my heart into it. I will be faithful.

M= I will set a measurable goal: How blessed is the one that gleans wisdom from meditation upon the ways of God. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.” [Phil 4]

Strategy: Set a time each day to read and ponder truths. After reading,  I will choose one verse that I can think about all day long and better yet I will  share the verse with someone and journal thoughts about a truth you have gleaned. What a great idea for Facebook right?

A = I will set an achievable goal and then apply knowing that the way I view life and obey God is a reflection of what I meditates upon. “He takes a text and carries it with him all day long; and in the night-watches, when sleep forsakes his eyelids, he museth upon the Word of God.” [Spurgeon]  Joh 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.”

Strategy: I will ponder my daily reading; and seek to  memorize one verse. I will prayerfully ask God to reveal any sin and seek cleansing; ask the Holy Spirit to show me areas that need improvement; then obey and praise the Lord for answers He has already given me.

R= I will set a realistic goal to redeem the time: After my quiet time of meditation I will seek ways to be His witness Eph 5:16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Strategy: I will actively continue in BSF, and find some other avenue of service…not sure what that will be. The goal is to see and use each one as a divine opportunity to share the love of Christ.

T= I will set a thankful goal that begins in the heart: 1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Strategy: I will write a thank you note to God and one to someone else at least one day a week. I will pray for the note I will send that it will bless another.  

What goals have you set? Share them with me …let’s encourage one another.

Blessings to you this new year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

p.s. and oh yes I am going to celebrate on Jan 1 as it is my birthday…