Dave’s Monday Blast – January 4, 2021
Happy New Year!
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4. Our Father longs for us to be so delighted in Him that we would want what He wants. With the passing of 2020, take the time to reflect on what God has done, and allow Him to prepare us for what’s to come in 2021. Use the above promise from Him to center your lives around the goodness of God. I pray that as you begin looking forward to what is to come, you will make space to gain God’s perspective. To do this you must be Fixed on Truth and Motivated by Obedience. Today, too many Christians are bouncing back and forth between the world’s opinion and the Word of God.
I sense this will be a week like no other in the history of our republic. We are in the throes of a massive spiritual conflict. Seemingly, the forces of evil have been summoned to our shores, but we also know that the entire world is in a very dark place. We will NEED to have a strong measure of courage and faith to live faithfully for Him. But as our God is prone to say: “Fear Not!” We will find an appropriate measure of both in Him. He is on His throne doing what He does…this is what we must do to fight the evil of our days:
- Pray without ceasing. Don’t waver!
- Seek the Truth and measure all by its standards. Don’t waver!
- Stand firm upon the Word of God. Don’t waver!
- Some sacrifice will be required to do what is right. Don’t waver!
- Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together. Don’t waver!
I think I finally get it. I need to learn to let go. If I have ever been compelled to make a New Year’s Resolution, this is mine for 2021.“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1 & 2)
What is this sin that so easily entangles? The context is clear…it is a lack of faith in the omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent God. It is a lack of faith in the Creator of the universe. It is a lack of faith in the One who is in control of all things. It is a lack of faith in His methods and in the time table He uses to accomplish His will. Although my worldview affirms that these statements are absolutely true, in my humanity, I find myself questioning the largess of God. This is an entangling sin and according to the Word, the consequence of sin is slavery and death.
This year I INTEND to let go of anything that gets in the way of my maturing faith in Him. Here are things that I “resolve” to let go of in 2021:
1. Doubt James 1:6 – 7. “Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord.” We must NEVER doubt who He truly is because He has proven Himself to be faithful.
2. Selfishness Acts 20:35. “There is more joy in giving than receiving.” It must NEVER be about us. God first, others second.
3. Bitterness and Resentment Hebrews 12:15. “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” We must NEVER be that bitter root. Bitterness is a grace deficiency; an inside poison.
4. Distractions Psalm 119:37. “Turn me away from wanting any other plan than Yours.” (LB) We can NEVER allow the wind and waves to take our eyes off of Him.
5. Discouragement Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” We must NEVER doubt the enduring presence of our God. He will never fail us.
6. Pride Luke 15:11 – 24. ‘…I am no longer worthy to be called your son…’ NEVER consider that your Father is “done” with you. He is waiting for you to return with open arms.
7. An Unrepentant Heart Psalm 32:3 – 5. You must NEVER think that God can not forgive you. God demonstrated His love for you, in that while you were yet a sinner He died for you.
Make it a good one brothers…you can not get a moment of today back.
What is it that you need to let go of this year?
