#wisdom            #seekgodsplans   #newyearsresolutions #newbeginnings
picture courtesy Omar Reyes @  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode
What expectations do you have for the new year?
Will it be better? Will we become better people?
This time of year we are supposed to set new goals and resolve to be better people.
This always sounds like a good idea.
Right? Â But do we stop to consider what it is that God has planned for us?
Have we prayed about what He has been doing upstream for the blessings he wants to send to us?
If not, then we need to stop and think about what it is to be successful in the new year.
Since the fall in the garden, man has thought he had âa better idea.â
The psalmist asks, âWho is Wise?â
âWho is wise? Let him give heed to these things, and consider the lovingkindness of the Lordâ
Ps. 107:43
âThe naive believes everything but the sensible man considers his stepsâ Proverbs 14:15
âListen carefully, those of you who make your plans and say, âWe are traveling to this city in the next few days.  Weâll stay there for one year while our business explodes and revenue  is up. The reality is you have no idea where your life will take you tomorrow.  You are like a mist that appears one moment and then vanishes another.  It would be best to say, âIf it is the Lordâs will and we live long enough, we hope to do this project or pursue that dreamâ. But your current speech indicates an arrogance that does not acknowledge the One who controls the universe, and this kind of bit talking is the epitome of evil.  So if you know the right way to live and ignore it, it is sin–plain and simple.â (James 4:13-17 The Voice.)
Soon we will be turning over a new page! Â A page on a brand new year. Â A fresh start? Â Or will we continue doing the same things over and over with the same results? Â As you have probably heard that is the definition of insanity.
What can we do to make this year different from the last year or the year before? Â Maybe you have already set your plan in motion. Â I have long since stopped making new resolutions for each year.
Our prayer is that we walk together seeking Godâs will for each day.  May we learn to love better, be kinder to one another and grow in the family of God.   Our goal for this blog is that we are an encouragement to one another in our walk as Christian brothers and sisters.
This year my word was âfocusâ.  I need to keep it again in 2017! I continue to lose my “focus” on so many levels.  My focus was to be on whatever is pure, lovelyâŠ. Of good report.  Remember we spent several weeks in Philippians.
This year my prayer is that I will be âfruitfulâ. Â Fruitful as a servant. Fruitful as a teacher.
What does it mean? Â I am not sure. Â My desire is to give the reigns to the Lord and let him direct my steps.
My questions? What will âfruitfulnessâ look like this year?
Where will God lead to accomplish âfruitfulnessâ?
âThe mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.â (Proverbs 16:9 NASB)
Our goal should always be to please the Father. Â That was Jesus’ goal in his life. (John 8:29) âThe one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.â
Colossians 1:10 âThose who bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God are pleasing to God.â
Hopefully, 2017 brings new adventures, new treasures to find and new friends with whom we can share Godâs love. Yes, new beginnings should excite us!!
Happy New Year!!
Keep looking up and treadin on.
I am thankful for our new beginnings daily
along with God’s new mercies . Looking forward to this encouraging and teaching blog to help me choose my steps carefully
and work toward growing closer to Jesus.
Thank every one of you who has a part in Treadin Seven. I am truly blessed by your your studies and your time to share.
May God bless you and your loved ones as you bless others!
đBeth đ
Thank you Beth. Your encouragement means a lot.