Tuesday, January 5, 2010
As the new year begins many people make resolutions. A resolution according to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary is, “solving: the act of determining.” You actually determine what needs to be fixed in your life and resolve to change it.
I’ve quit making resolutions, this year I’m working on challenges. When I challenge myself I’m more likely to complete whatever I have set out to do. I also have an accountability partner that I share with depending the challenge.
I’ve lost weight before but it always seems to find me. By going to Weight Watchers I am accountable at weigh-in. Plus it costs me twelve dollars a week whether I go or not if I want to continue.I am seven pound from my goal weight.
I have been challenged by several people, including myself to read my Bible daily. This is year I am following the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan. We received a copy from church. You can visit their website www.discipleshipjournal.com and print your own copy. I have three accountability partners my husband and two of my best friends.
Another challenge that I am continuing this year is to spend the 8-9 PM hour, after the kids are in bed, in quiet time. Joining me in quiet time will be my Bible, my book of the week and my journal. I take notes as I read and once I’m finished reading both books I will write about my day and anything God has shown me that day. This is when I hope to write my devotions to share with you.
Our family challenge is to simplify and declutter our lives, not just our home but our activities too. We are starting with clothes. Laundry will be washed each day and put away. When a new piece of clothing comes into the house, an old one must go out.
I think about Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. The serpent came into the garden and tempted Eve. He challenged her to eat the fruit of the tree that God told her and Adam to stay away from. Genesis 3:7 says, “At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness.” Then God sent them out of the Garden of Eden and they were met with challenges every day.
Before you challenge yourself this year, pray and ask God to show you what His “challenges,” plans are for you. Don’t suddenly have your eyes opened because of the serpent only to realize that your naked.
Today’s scripture is Matthew 3:1-12; Acts 3; Psalms 5 and Genesis 12-14. It doesn’t take long to read, but stay focused.
Tell me about your challenges for this year. Have you committed to reading the Bible daily? Leave me a comment below and let me know.
Father God,
I ask you to show me today the challenges I need to pursue this year. Help me recognize them and work heartily for you as I complete them. Because you give me the rewards that I deserve.
Amen
1 comment:
Enjoy your blog!! I am attempting to read my Bible more this year. I am not going to say every day because if i miss days i don't want to beat myself up, i will just get back on the Bible train!! I love Beth Moore Bible studies, we usually do one a year through church. I did not do the last one they did "Psalms of Ascent" because i was in school (some excuse right) but I did go ahead and buy the workbook. I started it yesterday and am planning on doing homework in it on week days. I did write down your scripture for today and hopefully will get that read as well. I love your idea about an hour of quiet time. I may try that exept mine would be 9-10 (our bedtime is 9 on school nights)I have started several journals since John Michael was born, mostly my thoughts about him, being a mom, things he did through the day, and prayer needs and answers. I never seem to keep up with it though. right now it has been about 3-4 months since i wrote and probably a year between that and teh last time. So, I am going to try to do that as well. Also, looks like I need to throw "try" out of my vocabulary and switch it to "I am" or "I will"... I need to work on that as well!!! My wii fit has also challenged me to get rid of some weight. I don't like having a fat mii!!!!!!!!!!!!have a wonderful day and thanks for sharing!!!!!!!
Melanie Clark
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