As we get into the New Year, many people want a new start and a better year. Some still make resolutions to change to start being the person they really want to be. Each resolution is a change. It is a change of action, a change or priority and a change or thinking.
However, studies have shown for years that most New Year’s Resolutions fade by the middle of February. The reasons are varied, but one of the most notable has always been the way one thinks. Even Solomon understood this in Proverbs 23.7, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Our minds control our actions, and even our outlook. Our mind is often called the “heart” in Scripture. The heart mentioned is the seat of emotions, the inward thoughts of our mind. Again, the wisdom of Solomon is found in Proverbs 4.23, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Solomon knew the purpose of guarding your heart, or your mind.
Jesus, speaking to the people, says, ““Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” (Matthew 15.10,11) And a few verses down, He clarifies it more, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. (Matthew 15:18)
We know the words of Paul regarding the mind when he writes to the Colossians church in Colossians 3.2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
How are you planning to change your mind? How are you planning to guard your mind this year?
To truly change, we must change our minds. When Peter said, “Repent” in Acts 2.38, the Greek word he used is “metanoeō.” It means to “think differently, “to “reconsider.” (Strongs) Digging deeper into the word, you will find that Peter wants them to change their hearts.
Are you changing your heart?
Just some thoughts,
From the day I am writing this, there are 54 days left until the end of the year. Those 54 days break down into 1 month and 24 days, or 7 weeks and 5 days, or approximately 1296 hours. It seems unreal that 2022 has passed so quickly.
As 2023 approaches us, are you doing better in your spiritual life than you were at the beginning of 2022? Most individuals I know do not make any new year’s resolutions, but they do plan on having a better year. How are you doing to have a better year?
If you are not where you want to be, how will you change the next 54 days? There are many things you can do in the next 7 weeks to grow spiritually. Allow me to offer a few suggestions:
- Fellowship with the saints – Fellowship means sharing. To share, we must be physically present. When we are present, we get to know one another. When we get to know one another, we support and encourage one another. The early church spent time each week in fellowship. (Acts 2.42; 1 John 1.3; Hebrews 10.24-25)
- Spend time in the Word – Reading and studying will increase your spiritual knowledge and create a greater desire to continue pressing forward. As Paul is noted as saying, he counted everything loss for the knowledge of Jesus (Philippians 3.10). Grow closer to Jesus through the Word. (Acts 17.11; 2 Timothy 2.15)
- Live what you believe – Tough decisions will occur, but God is able. With the knowledge we gain of God, Christ, and the Word of God, our actions will correspond with the knowledge we have gained. Consider the words of James, “… be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”
Just some thoughts,
In 1957, a phrase appeared on all United States monies which have never been there before. A year previously, on July 30, 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower approved the law which Congress passed earlier that day. In that law, “In God We Trust” was to appear on all United States monies. Because of production times, it would be the next year before the words “In God We Trust” would appear on money for the first time.
The term, “In God We Trust” had appeared before in our nation’s history, but never as an official part of Law. The fourth verse of the Star-Spangled Banner contains the words,
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
As the phrase, “In God We Trust” continues to be printed on all United States monies, in 2005 there was a slight mistake. While printing the quarters, a machine malfunction imprinted the quarters with the words, “In God We Rust.” The faint imprint of the “T” can barely be seen.
There is a significant difference between rust and trust. Rust occurs because of several factors, but we are familiar with rust because of an object not being used or not being cared for properly. As Christians, are we using what we have been given? Are we using our talents? Are we using the blessings given to us by the Creator?
Let us trust in God, not rust in a pew. Let us trust in God, knowing that He has given us today, He has given us life, He has given us our abilities, and He has given us hope.
Just some thoughts,
