We welcomed in a New Year a little over a month ago. A new year is when many people start to think about New Years resolutions. Some people want to lose weight, some to focus on staying positive, some say to read the Bible more. What do you have for your New Years resolution? Did you even make one back on January 1st?
Why not resolve in your heart to grow spiritually and to become more spiritually fit? Not more religious, but closer to God. 'Religion' often turns people off to Jesus and His love. So many legalistic rules that some churches make up cause many people to want nothing to do with 'religion'. I have news for you! I am not talking about being religious but about being in love with Jesus and desiring to know Him better. Sometimes certain churches might scare us away from wanting to get closer to God, which is sad. If you are one of these people who has been turned off by a holier than thou 'churchy experience' that was more strict and condemning than full of grace and love perhaps it is time to find a new church home.
A suggestion would be to start on the casual non denominational level which usually has less man made restrictions that people dislike. If you are reading this and go to a denominational church I am not saying your church is bad but often times the more casual non denominational ones seem to make those seeking to know Christ better more at ease. Make sure they preach the uncompromising word of God and do not change it to fit societal changes and an unBiblical culture.
To grow spiritually you have to read God's word, there is no other way. To grow physically you have to have food and to grow spiritually you have to have God's 'meat' which is the word of God. The Bible is not boring nor is getting closer to God. Perhaps if you are disinterested you have not truly asked God into your heart. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says "the preaching of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
You can get excited about Jesus and hunger and want to be closer to him in 2012. Stop what you are doing and ask Him to take the controls of your life and be Lord of your life. Once you do this you become a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says " therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come, the old has gone and the new is here."
Start now by 'thinking' on God's word. Next try to find a good church home to fellowship in. Perhaps find a Bible study with other believers to help disciple you in your new walk. Spend some alone time with God praying or simply talking to Him.
If you are already a believer perhaps you have stagnated and need to be renewed in your mind. Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." You can not grow without spending time with God. How important is being close to Jesus to you?
Start today to grow spiritually. You will feel better for it, I guarantee it.
PRAYER: Lord I want to have you in my life and live for you. Forgive me when I have not spent time with you. I desire to grow spiritually so keep me on this path. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link below to worship God in song:
http://youtu.be/b-oZbBS_OhM
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