Audits & Resolutions - Day 2

 Write From My Heart / December 2, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 2

Question: What do I fear the most?

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Matthew 6:27 and Luke 12:25 (both NIV) Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

            Wow! This has been some year! As I look back, we have been in the midst of a global pandemic for the last 10 months and we are still awaiting distribution of vaccines for those who wish to participate. The year 2020 has been unsettling in other ways as well. Many have faced financial struggles as some (not all, but at least a few) state authorities assert their self-importance over the common folk with various restrictions, closures, and imposed regulations beyond that which makes sense. Isolation from family, friends, and our church family is a real concern affecting  the mental health of many folks. Health issues are another real concern and many folks mourn the loss of family members and pray diligently for those affected by the virus.

            Here is the reality; worry is not a solution. Those of you who are familiar with some of my writings know I have an interest in words. Anxiety is the state of being worried about what might happen. In other words, it hasn’t happened yet—you just perceive that it will. When you are anxious you are worried about something not yet in existence. Worry is defined by some sources as “to manage to get in the face of difficulties.” I really like that point of view because it puts the onus on us. Let that sink in a moment. When we worry we manage to “get in the face” of difficulties—in other words, we put ourselves in that position. No one else put us in that state of worry—we did it to ourselves! The point is, there will always be reasons for difficulty and concern—it is the nature of living in an imperfect sin-filled world. However, when that happens is our response to wallow in the midst of it and stay there or to turn it over to our Heavenly Father?

Resolution: Worry less.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You know the concerns of our heart. They are honest concerns. You are the provider of strength and comfort in any situation we might face. Give us the courage to trust you in all things. And when we bring our concerns and lay them at your feet, help us to leave them with you.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.

Audits & Resolutions - Day 1

 Write From My Heart / December 1, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 1

Question: What am I hiding?

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

            Why are we so hesitant to open our hearts to our Heavenly Father? There is nothing we can keep hidden from him. He knows our joys. He also knows our hurts and concerns. He waits for us to come to him and he is never more than a prayer away. We may be able to conceal our inner selves from others, but we can never hide from God. There is no shame in coming to the Lord with an open and contrite heart. It was for us that he set in motion his plan for salvation.           

Resolution: Open your heart to the Lord.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We humbly come before you with an open and contrite heart. You already know our innermost being, but you long for us to be honest with you. Thank you for your mercy.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.

Audits & Resolutions - Introduction

 

Write From My Heart / December 1, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Introduction

 Colossians 3:2 (NIV) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

            Believe it or not, the year 2020 is drawing to a close. December is generally the month we look back in review of the past year and decide to make adjustments in our life during the coming year. Sometimes I wonder, why? I could make a resolution about money; but come December 31, 2021, I’m either going to have more money or less money than I do right now. I could make a resolution about my weight; but come December 31, 2021, I’m either going to weigh more or weigh less than I do right now. I could make a resolution involving time; but come December 31, 2021, I’m going to have the same number of hours and minutes in a day as I do right now. Some of the latest statistics show something like only 8% or 9% of resolutions are kept, while something like 80% or 90% of resolutions fail by February. Resolutions involving fitness or weight rank in the top 70% of resolutions made each year.

            What is the goal or purpose of a resolution? By definition, making a resolution is a way to have or show that you are determined to take a course of action for some future purpose. In most cases it seems we make a resolution because we perceive a problem that needs to be fixed.  Examples might be in the case of too little money—a resolution to save more money; in the case of too much weight—a resolution to lose more weight; in the case of time management—oh well, let’s talk about it later. (Yes, that was intended to be humorous!) So why is the failure rate so high? I believe it is simply because we lose focus of those things that are truly important and lasting and too often follow the whims of the world’s definitions of success.

            During this month, I hope to provide 31 days of question and answer style devotions to examine where we are in our lives, and to explore ways we might improve our Christian walk in the coming year. I would like to thank two Pastors for their original messages that have greatly inspired this December series. Pastor Kenny Latimore of Garner Advent Christian Church, NC, presented a message entitled “Spiritual Audit for 2016” from which I will use many of the questions he proposed for taking audit of our lives. In addition, Pastor Andy Strachan of North Dunedin Baptist Church, FL, presented a message entitled “2016 Resolutions” from which I will use many of the goals he presented to his church family to strengthen their daily Christian walk with our Heavenly Father. Having contacted both of these Pastors and having received their permission to use their work, I look forward to sharing this series of short devotions with you.

            To Pastor Latimore and Pastor Strachan, “May the Lord bless you and keep you…” (Numbers 6:24, NIV) as you continue to serve Him. Thank you!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            As we close another year, we ask your Holy Spirit to guide us in reflection. Show us those areas of importance to you that need attention in our life. Give us the willing spirit to grow deeper in your grace.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.