Christianity Oasis Forum

[Christianity Oasis]

Soooooooooooooooooo 2011 is upon us, huh?

As soon as you get used to writing 2011, wanna bet that 2012 will be here?

Let's talk about the New Year for a moment, shall we?

The New Year is a time when most people evaluate the previous year and set goals for the year ahead, but rest easy Making a New Year's resolution is not a New Testament obligation. The Lord doesn't require it of us.

Actually, TRUTH be told, as Christians, we are to resolve things Brace yourself DAILY!

Did I say daily? Well, I didn't say it, the Word does

Luke 9:23 And He said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

2 Corinthians 4:16 though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Perhaps instead of following worldly tradition and reserving a single day each year to resolve to improve ourselves, we should rather implement the concept that Jesus introduced and start fresh every single day with a renewed mind, resolved to walk closer to Him.

Every time we recognize the need for betterment, initiate it at that very moment, with fervor!

Sooooooooooo, is it wrong to make New Year's resolutions?

Certainly resolving something good cannot be wrong. Most often, as Christians, our goals are fairly easy to predict. Most Christians have a heartfelt desire to serve the Lord better, establish a better relationship with Him, and become more conformed to His image. All are admirable desires. And most have resolved these things before, if not once, several times.

Sooooooo, what is it that keeps one from attaining these goals?

Wouldn't you love to look back on 2011 at the end of December, knowing in your heart that your Spiritual growth has improved, throw your shoulders back, stick out your bird cage and chortle that you've reached your goals?! It may be suggested that resolve is what the average Christian lacks in reaching the satisfaction of attaining these oh so fulfilling fruits of the Spirit. Resolve. What does that word mean to you?

Passion? Love? Devotion? Determination? What exactly will it take to keep you motivated to strive just as hard in August as you did in January?

My friend, the only thing that will keep you uplifted, encouraged, enthusiastic, and steadfast in your endeavors to mature in your Christian walk, is a DAILY renewing of your mind.

Wow There's that imposing word again. You must be earnest about it! Prayer and a perpetual intimate closeness with the Holy Spirit are essential. When the going gets tough, reach out for Him. If you ever find yourself veering from your goals, hold on tighter to His hand and ask Him to guide you back onto the path of righteousness.

Surround yourself with things that remind you of your new goals. Write them down.

Do NOT allow your yearning for living in His image have you become lukewarm. Every single day is a new beginning. Don't let tradition limit you to waiting for a specific day to begin living in the Spirit.

On behalf of Christianity Oasis, may the fire of the Holy Ghost roar inside of you this coming year and forevermore!

May watch over and keep you in the year to come.

Luv all of ya
 

[vahn]

DAILY ??? ... Oh maaan , does that mean EVERY day ??? , ... I bet next He gonna tell us , "And that day is TODAY " huh ?

You know what that reminded me of ? The first time i heard "No matter how much you have wronged , the Lord will still Love you and Forgive you !! " to which my response was " Hey that's cool , glad to hear that !! ... Well then , I'll come back later , when I'm 80 or something !! "

Razor sharp mind of an alcoholic huh ?


Happy New Day everybody !!


In Christ , our Lord

[Tam]

Surrounder daily to HIM....how could we not! He is the one that directs our paths and makes our crooked ways straight.

Hope in the year to come each and everyone has a renewd faith and trust in the one who created you.

Happy 2011 everyone.

(and yes O I will still be writing 2010 on my checks for at least 3 months then it will take that much longer to get to 2011.)

Luv yas!!

[mlg]

What a way to start off my 2011...to come here and read these beautiful words you have shared for all of us. Thank you and may God Bless all His children in the days to come....cuz with each morning being a new morning...and God's grace being new with it...we need not to count the days.

luv ya

[sbennett]

Thanks for the encouraging words C O!! Im with vahn...renew daily like Every day??? For real?? LOL Yep, every day.

Praying that God leads me as I strive to renew my mind....and the rest of me...daily.

Happy New year everyone!!