"I (Jesus) came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 MSG
"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10 NLT
"I came to give life - life in all it's fullness." John 10:10 NCV
Rather than choosing a New Year's resolution, I have been meditating on choosing a word that I hope to live out this year, and a Word of God to give meaning to the New Year. It's not that I couldn't use a kick in the pants with regards to my (non-existent) exercise routine or my (too-many-sweets-and-low-on-veggies) diet. I just have too much experience in unfulfilled New Year's resolutions to go back there. It seemed to make more sense to me to give the year some direction from God - He has more power to fulfill this Word than I have willpower!
I have chosen ENJOY for the word of the year, accompanied by John 10:10.One
of the things that drew me to this word was the JOY in it...although I am no word expert, it seems to me to say, live life with joy, in joy. This is a concept that would have seemed impossible to me in my 20's and early 30's, as I crossed through depression and travelled in the depths of despair of a floundering marriage. And joy was not encouraged as I grew up, either. As I spend time in God's Word asking His healing, I realize that we have a daily choice - we can enjoy our time here and our experiences to the best of our abilities, or we can choose to be miserable. Joy according to God, does not mean an absence of sadness or trouble. It means, no matter what the circumstance (Romans 8:28) we trust He is working for our good.
It means that He helps us to seek the good, the fun, the happiness and the joy in each little moment...if we choose to. As I attended my uncle's funeral this weekend, I was reminded that life is all too short, and that every moment must be savored...for we never know when we will be called home to God.
John 10:10 is a promise I am going to hold fast to this year. Jesus came that we might have a rich and satisfying life, a better life than we could ever dream of. This year I will be on a journey towards that life....as He guides me on His paths and in His direction...towards life in all it's fullness. Will you join me?
Lord Jesus, you came to this earth to bring a new richness and fullness to our lives. Help us to open our hearts to enjoying our lives, no matter what our circumstances may be. Help us to find enjoyment in the small things, to
plan joy in larger ways, and to live our lives to it's fullest. Help us to live out your Word with the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Here I go again girl, see if I'm able to post this one.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you are back you always hit the nail on the head.
I also stopped with the New Year's resolutions awhile back, for the same reasons I don't need or want anymore guilt in my life than I already play with. I love your idea of a word for the new year something that will perhaps stay in your mind throughout the day.
I've opted to try to be more aware of when God is appearing in my everyday encounters, but more importantly making myself available to the situation when it arises. I had the oppertunity last week to really see it in action so now I am looking for it more. They have really been "God" moments and I'm thankful for them even if they didn't happen at a convenient time..........this makes me more patient. Ta Da Love Maureen
Thanks Maureen!
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