Hello Sisters!
January 2007
is here. The first of the year is a time we make resolutions for the upcoming year. Most
resolutions involve a hurt, habit or hangup that we want to overcome -- bad eating habits,
poor Bible study time, messy house, forgiving someone who has hurt us, etc. I've
made my resolutions...and I'm sure you've made yours.
To start
out the year, I want you to go back to our guiding scripture:
Be
transformed by the renewing of your mind.
I want you
to look at this scripture in an optimistic but realistic light. Transformation is a
process -- an ongoing exercise. Renewing is a living word -- an ongoing work. You are not
going to be perfect so do not strive for perfection. Simply try to be a little better
today than you were yesterday. If you "fall off the wagon," don't beat yourself
with the false-guilt stick. Just get back on the wagon and continue your journey to
renewal!!! |
Guiding Scripture...
Be transformed by the
renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2
Realistically applying this
scripture will enable you to become the woman God wants you to be!
Write this scripture down and post it in a frequented area so it will become a
part of your mind, your heart, and your soul. |
Let's look at a few
things:
Weight loss: Try to lose one pound a week, not 10
pounds. Don't say you'll never eat another cookie again because you're just setting
yourself up for failure.
Finances: Adjust your budget so you're spending a
few dollars less each week. You probably didn't get into debt overnight, so you're
probably not going to get out of debt overnight, either!
Time with God: This one actually is easier than it
appears. Cut out a little TV or other activity and read your Bible in that time. You can
pray any time, any where, so you definitely have time to talk to God and to listen to Him
talk to you. Remember, you do not have to close your eyes and kneel down each time you
pray. Talk to Him like the ever-present companion that He is!
Overcoming Hurts: This one is a toughie but not unsurmountable. If you look at the
perpetrator as a child of God, you will be able to love the sinner while still abhoring
the sin! Jesus spent a lot of time talking about forgiveness, which tells you how
important it is. You will never heal from a hurt if you continue to pick at the wound. Be
fully aware that some wounds are deep and take a long time to heal. Be realistic! |
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As you set goals for 2007, be optimistic but realistic!
And DO NOT go into 2007 without consulting your Father in Heaven.
He will guide you, strengthen you,
and comfort you...because He loves you so very much!
PRAYER
Father, we often set
goals that are unrealistic. Then, when
those goals aren't met, we are filled with
false guilt over our "failure".
Be with my sister as she comes to you for
guidance, strength and comfort.
Thank you for helping her see that her ultimate
goal is being transformed -- day by day -- into the
woman you want her to be. |
SCRIPTURE
CHALLENGE
Be transformed by
the
renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2
1. Memorize this scripture.
2. Personalize it.
3. Evaluate your thinking and speaking.
4. Ask God for renewal of your thoughts and words. |
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