Clean Slate 2015

Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18

 Many younger readers may say "what is a slate"? A slate was what was used in cowboy days, like is depicted in 'Little House on the Prairie' TV series, in school to write on, before chalkboards and dry erase boards. When I was in grade school I loved having the task at end of class of beating the erasers to clean them out. Baby boomers will know exactly what I mean. When you use chalk, you erased the board with a felt eraser and at end of day the residue of chalk had to be removed. You did this by beating them on perhaps the outside wall of the school. Okay do not go pull my covered wagon up curbside as I am not a relic.

The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to start all over. The perfect break in things to sort of say, "things will be different this year." For this reason many make resolutions  or set goals of what they hope to achieve in the 12 months ahead of them. The days are all fresh and new things are in store.  For this reason you often hear people say "I am beginning with a clean slate" or in other words the future has not been written yet and there is a chance to begin anew and 'right' the  wrongs and forget and forgive.

New years are indeed exciting. This beginning could probably begin anytime during the year but it seems the start of a new year is always ideal for getting started. Is there something you want to start, in this year?Now is the time to not hold onto the past and charge on for what adventures lie ahead. You have a brand new clean slate.

PRAYER: I get excited about the prospect of having this time of year to really set new goals. Help me Lord to let go of things that have been anchors dragging me down and to embrace the future and what it holds. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click Link below and listen to a song of praise and worship:

http://youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA

STARTING OVER

Happy New Year! A chance to start new things and make resolutions. A time of new beginnings often brings hope for things you wanted to accomplish but did not. At the end of the old year and ringing in the New Year it is nice to have that chance to say "this is what I plan to do" and why not add "with God's help". 

Have you added any spiritual things to your resolution list? Often a big one might be read through the entire Bible. If that is your goal make sure you pray and ask God to reveal himself to you as you read and do not do it to simply check a block. As you go along make it into a study. Perhaps ask God to fill you with a desire and hunger for the things of the Lord. 

Another spiritual goal could be something like go on a mission trip if you have never done that. It does not have to be overseas but can be right in your own back yard so to speak.  

Do you find yourself complaining or judging others wrongly or being unkind to people? Then a super resolution is to ask God to give you His love for all people. 

The most popular resolution is usually dieting. If this is yours and has been over and over and over again why not put God in the equation and ask Him to make you see your body as His Holy temple and to treat it properly. Pray for discipline and self control and the ability to make this area a true priority this time. 

A good verse to memorize this year is Philippians 4:13( NIV) 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength.'

PRAYER: I thank you Lord that through you I have the power to do all things. I do not have to let the enemy drag me down and cause me to give up. Guide me as I seek to be faithful to the resolutions I have made. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BEGIN ANEW

Two weeks have nearly passed and hopefully all of you reading this
have started writing "2013" and not "2012" on things requiring a date.
A new year, a new date, and new adventures. What are you doing in this
brand new year to start anew?

A new endeavor, a hobby, or a goal in mind? Something to reach for or
finish? Procrastinators are happy for the first few weeks of the new
year each time it rolls around but not so thrilled when December 31st
approaches and they are still stuck in the same rut of not
accomplishing what was intended.

What is it you have set for your goals in 2013? Do any of them have
spiritual significance? Some ideas would be showing kindness to
strangers. Perhaps helping a family in need. Maybe writing to your
mom if she is still living and does not do email. Showing Jesus' love
in your job or wherever life has you at the moment. Being kind and
respectful to those closest to us. Sharing what God has blessed you
with if you see a need you can help meet. Reading the Bible daily and
starting a journal. Changing churches if you just go out of habit.

Praying with fervor and not just a "lay me downtown sleep" prayer. Not
gossiping or complaining or in other words, mouth control. Why not set
some goals for how you can be closer to the Lord in 2013. After all
you have a brand new year to shine for Him.

Move on and aim high. Aim high for Jesus!

Philippians 4:13 (NIV) is a good verse to commit to memory and it says
'I can do all things through Him that gives me strength.'

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the gift of a new fresh start and a brand
new year. It is a chance to forget the past and make things right. I
look forward to spending time in your word daily Lord. The enemy has
no power over me in Jesus' mighty name. Help my light shine bright for
you in 2013! In Jesus' name. Amen.