Hebrews 10:24-25New International Version (NIV)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Out with the old and in with the new. 2017 is in the books. What will 2018 hold? Every January most of us will make resolutions or promises of change that we hope will happen. We promise everything from more discipline, to a better diet, and to getting closer with God.
I have found that if I do not make actual steps to doing change in my life, it will usually not happen. Then, I need to hold to those steps and keep to doing the change in my life. Last year at this very time I had very high cholesterol, and I knew I needed to make a change. I asked my wife if she wanted to start exercising and make a diet change. She was totally on board with this, so we both started working out three times a week at our local CrossFit, then two days a week we either jogged or walked, and we changed how much we ate, as well as, changing the quality of food we ate. We stayed the course for the entire year of 2017 and the dividends payed off very well. My cholesterol went down 60 points to a very healthy range, may weight went down 15 pounds and is holding at a healthy range. My wife had very similar changes and is maintaining her weight. We also noticed that our coordination and athletic ability greatly increased. For 2018, we will keep to this life choice and maintain because the benefits are so inspirational.
There was another dividend of 2017 that I wanted to do, and that was to continue to read the Bible through in a year. I reached that goal, and this was my third time to do this. The Bible is getting into the very marrow of my bones like it says in Proverbs3:8, “This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
This year I am going to journal my thoughts of my day with the intent of hearing the Holy Spirit deeper in my soul; allowing Him to lead me deeper in my decisions of my every day life making life fuller, as well as, reading my Bible daily. I read Proverbs every day and will continue this for 2018.
What are your plans for 2018? Will you make it intentional to do good works for other people? Will you be an encourager? Will you make ready your life, if Christ returns? Will you read the Bible every day? Will you do a life or health change? Do not neglect the promises and blessings that Jesus has for you in 2018. Include Jesus in your life. He will walk with you every step of the way.
Strength and Courage
Michael
