You read that correctly… forget New Year’s resolutions and go for New Year’s Revolution!
Rev·o·lu·tion noun: to revolt, to forcefully overthrow in favor of a new system. Out with the old and in with the new!
Not everyone needs a revolution. Some need affirmation. Some need encouragement. Some just need a reminder. Only you know what you need as we charge headlong into 2019! So, read on and take what you need…
As you contemplate the closure of one year and the opening of another, consider these words of wisdom:
“Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be His sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness {being set apart}, experiencing all that delights His heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.” Romans 12:1 tPt
I am so incredibly thankful for the unending mercies God has extended to me in 2018! And, I’m excited to live for Him another year, realizing that my journey in Him will bring delight to His heart! The second verse brings us to that revolution…
“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes.” Romans 12:2 tPt
How do we truly throw out the old that needs to go… the old way of thinking, unwise spending, wrongfully treating others, judgmental attitude, devaluing ourselves, fearfully weighing the future, etc.? In what area of your life do you need a revolution? That’s the area that needs a new way of thinking!
Most New Year’s resolutions involve behavior modification, a pattern of choices that change our less desirable habits. However, as many will testify, rarely do these changes “stick” for the long term. Why? Because authentic change in our behavior will only result when our thinking changes! If you want long term results, go to the heart of the matter! Ask the Lord to change your thinking so that you are able to discern His will and live a life of abundancy (more than enough)!
What is the best way to revolutionize your thinking? I’m so glad you asked! 😉 We need to embrace His truth as our truth! God speaks to us through His Word, through Jesus’ life, and through the Holy Spirit in us.1 Any and all of these will give us foundations for needed change in our lives. Dig into the Word of God and spend some time listening for His input and He will download divine strategies that will revolutionize the areas of your life that need it!
How can you and I practically embrace His truth as our truth? 🙂 Great question! The Word of God (both logos and rhema1) goes deep when we apply it to our lives! It will empower us to revolutionize the areas of our lives that are not reflective of the person God created us to be.2 Don’t stop at just reading the Word of God, practically apply it to your life by writing out verses, memorizing them, creating positive declarations based on the Truths you’ve explored. When God speaks into your heart, write it down! Pray into those revelations and celebrate His affirmations. Remind yourself of His declarations of love!
God’s Word is filled with “strategies” to help you and I align our thinking with His.
In Jesus, I am a new creation! I am made in His image. I am righteous and beloved. I walk in grace and peace. I am filled with the Holy Spirit and I have the mind of Christ.
That’s just a taste of some revolutionary thinking! But it’s an amazing start! Where will you declare revolution in your life? Overthrow the stinkin’ thinkin’ by purposefully embracing Divine thinkin’!
Live Loved!
1 For deeper understanding, study: God’s Word-Greek: logos, Jesus modeled for us a lifestyle full of demonstrations, Holy Spirit’s guidance, living word-Greek: rhema
2“For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, and it pierces more sharply than a two-edged sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.” Hebrews 4:12 “Every Scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness.” II Timothy 3:16 tPt