So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
New International Version
Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.
Amos 5:14-15
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
Proverbs 21:30
that can succeed against the Lord.
No matter how fresh the start nor how great the plans we have made, if we do not walk with God, the coming year will not be a spiritual success. As we receive this gift of a new year, let’s commit to serving the Lord. As we make plans for the coming days ahead, let’s make sure that those plans are made based on the LORD’s revealed will in Scripture, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and prayerful consideration of what our God wants us to accomplish.
to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
Ephesians 4:23
We cannot renew ourselves on our own. We can guard ourselves against corrupting influences. We can offer ourselves to God and come to discern His will more fully (Romans 12:1-2). Ultimately, however, God himself must do the renewing, not just when we are saved, but daily. Only God’s grace can sustain, empower, and renew us. Let’s offer ourselves to him. Then, let’s confidently ask for his grace to empower, perfect, and renew us!
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
Psalm 104:33-34
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the Lord.
Do you sing in the shower? What words are on your lips? Singing is such a wonderful gift! First, it is a gift from God to us, to help us express our joy, excitement, sorrow, and victory. Second, it is a gift from us to God, to help us communicate our respect, appreciation, love, and confidence in God. So let’s sing, praising God for what he has done, proclaiming what he will do, and sharing what he is currently doing in our lives!