Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well! Psalm 90:12
It is always challenging to approach a new year and to realize afresh that our days upon this earth are so rapidly passing. How important it is that we pause with the psalmist and pray for a “heart of wisdom” that will enable us this year to live each new day in a way that brings all glory to our God.
I trust you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. It’s good to be back at the keyboard contemplating the wonders of God’s word. In Psalms 39:4 we read, “LORD, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days”. Have you taken time to consider how you might draw closer to God this coming year? Are you making more time in your busy schedule to consider God’s plan for your life?
I believe our scriptures are replete with encouraging words that inspire us to be very intentional about our prayer life and time meditating on God’s purpose for our lives. The book entitled, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren has helped all of us that have read this wonderful work, think about the importance of knowing God and following His plan for our lives.
In his book written to the people in Philippi the imprisoned Paul also exhorted believers to keep their eyes on the forward pull of Christ. We are not to put emphasis on the past or worry about the future, but to think positively about how God would direct our paths. We are to model our lives and commitment with the likeness of our Savior. Further, the Apostle reminds us that really knowing God is the ultimate focus we can have.
If we know God – obeying, serving, and loving become by-products of our committed lives. These attributes become the “fruit” of a dedicated and surrendered life in Him. Knowing God implies an intimate and intentional relationship with Him. It is not about what church or denomination we belong, religion is man’s idea. We don’t have to live a “perfect life”, because no one can. It doesn’t require that we think about how we can “buy our way into Heaven” through gifts or works, remember it is by grace alone that we are saved.
No, my friend, knowing God is a lifetime endeavor of daily discovering and trusting. The process of spiritual maturation is about committing to studying His truth by daily reading and applying the Bible in our lives and relationships. It is also about having a vibrant prayer life committed to listening and acting upon the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
I don’t know about you, but I want to know God more intimately each day I live. The New Year is a good time to think about how our priorities might better be planned to embrace His heart and know His plan for our lives.
A Swedish Poet once said, “I with Thee would begin, O my Savior so dear, on the way that I still must pursue; I with Thee would begin every day granted here, as my earnest resolve I renew—To be and remain Thine forever.
God Bless and keep you.
Jim
Personal Application:
- What things can you do to be more intentional about growing deeper in your faith?
- Do you have a daily devotional book or Bible study?
- How can we help you create a disciple of study?
- Have your recently checked out our many resources available here on our website?
- One way you can help spread the Good News and encourage others is to send our weekly devotionals to others.