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CBN.com Spiritual Life Bulletin

DAILY DEVOTION

A Fresh Start

By Cathy Irvin
Staff Writer

CBN.com – We rang in the New Year. Some may have gotten out a clean piece of paper and wrote down their intentions for this year. Well, I didn’t. You see, I decided two days before not to jot down anything but to make a commitment to increase my prayer time with the Lord and to stop eating sweets.

I believe it is the spiritual condition in my life that the Lord is the most interested in. He says in His Word that my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit.

I found out long ago that those lengthy lists of "do and don’ts" either get lost or forgotten. The things that really matter to us, we usually work on, so I find it best to limit any desires each year to a few things and concentrate on the really important ones whatever they might be.

Most people want a fresh start in life. Those that are sick want a clean bill of health. Those in financial trouble want to be out of debt. We can do these things, but we need to work on them one day at a time. I didn’t make any commitment last year but to love God more and to appreciate my family and friends. I think I made the grade, but only God has the score.

Try not to overwhelm yourself with too many good intentions. Just pray and ask the Lord what you might need to work on in your life, spiritually, financially, and maybe even how to improve relationships or your health, but don’t get bogged down with so many resolutions.

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17, NIV)

The Bible says to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. What is the Kingdom of God? It is righteousness, peace, and joy. If we have those three things most everything else will fall in place. If we seek to please the Lord and find out what He wants us to do, then it will all work out. I know He tells us to seek wisdom, so if we do that our health issues and financial priorities will change.

The Bible tells us His mercies are new every morning, so I will daily ask Him what He wants me to do. There is nothing wrong with accomplishing some short term goals, but never let them consume your entire energy by making them so hard they are beyond your reach. Simply trust God to help you each step of the way! Get a fresh start each year, but plan for a wise one too.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)