“But without faith it is impossible to (walk with God and) please Him. For whoever comes (near) to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that he rewards those who (earnestly and diligently) seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified)
As we begin a new year many people as usual; are making New Year resolutions which unfortunately will be broken before Valentine’s Day. There’s an increase in gym memberships. Eating healthy, losing weight and getting out of debt are the top three annual resolutions as a result overeating and overspending during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. However, without discipline the resolutions become idle words without commitment for yet another year.
For this new year 2023, full of new opportunities, I want to challenge you to seek God diligently. He changes not year after year. He remains omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, sovereign, merciful, and immutable. During these perilous days in which we are living, according to Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5, it is imperative to seek and draw near to God like never before and to be consistent. “Come close (near) to God and He will come close to you…” (James 4:8). God is a rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him.
Give God the first start of each day. Before interacting with others seek and interact with Him. Through the years we will find that people will come and go, sometimes without explanation. Some will be a blessing. Others will bring disappointment or provide lessons in our lives for a reason or a season. Once a purpose is served, they leave and we must let them go.
With all the people we may come across in our lives from birth to death, there’s only One who never disappoints, hurts or leaves us year after year. Only One who can satisfy our soul’s deepest need that no person can fill. Only One who keeps his promises to “never leave or forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5), while others may do otherwise. His name is Jesus Christ, who remains “the same yesterday, today and forever,” immutable (Hebrews 13:8). There’s none like him or who could ever rival Him. He loves us with an unconditional love, and unmatchable wisdom. His presence casts out fear, heals, renews and restores.
It's a new year! Join me in the challenge of not waiting until another year. For tomorrow is not promised (Proverbs 27:1). Our lives are truly like a vapor - here for a little while and then gone (James 4:14). Let’s diligently seek the One who holds tomorrow and has plans and purpose for us - to give a future and hope with peace, not evil or harm. When we call upon him in prayer, He will listen (Jeremiah 29:11-12).
Here are some things to help with our challenge to seek God diligently this new year of new beginnings.
**Seek God early in the morning before the noise and distractions of everyday routine. Get up early for a time of prayer and devotion. Interact with God first before the day’s breaking news and distractions of others. Call upon God and pray to Him (Jeremiah 29:12);
**Set aside a designated place to seek God in the morning and at night before bed.
Sit quietly. Play worship music and focus on God, listening for his still small voice. Cast your cares upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22);
**Guard your tongue from evil. Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:12-16; Proverbs 18:21; James 3:1-12);
**Trust and serve God with your whole heart, mind and soul (Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 29:13);
**Set boundaries! Guard your heart (be wise and discerning about things that would come to harm you (Proverbs 4:23-26; Jeremiah 17:9-10);
**Guard your mind/thoughts (Philippians 4:6-13);
**Our battle is not against people, but unseen spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:10-12). Do not wrestle/fight, react emotionally or be provoked to anger (Psalm 1:1-6; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8; Galatians 5:26). Walk in the fruit of the Spirit… love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Let’s commit to seeking God diligently this year. For He changes not which is especially comforting during the evil days in which we are living.
Will you join me?
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