Starting with a Strategy

Another new year is underway; I believe I'm getting older because I really can't believe we've hit 2014. Twenty years ago I was a senior in high school and this date seemed so far away. Back then I really didn't have much of a strategy as a new year unfolded, but perhaps with age I've gained a bit of wisdom. This year I plan to continue using a strategy my pastor shared a few years back and elaborated on this past Sunday.

He preached from 1 Timothy 4:7-8, "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." As my pastor shared, God spoke to my heart.

I tend to be one who tries to take care of everyone else and as a Mom of 5, I often have to do this, but God has been reminding me I need to first take care of myself - physically and more importantly spiritually. I've been trying to do this, but I know I can do better. How about you my friend?

In order to do this, I plan to apply the strategy my pastor shared...a 5 Step RMS Plan.

Reorganize My Schedule - If I want to become more like Jesus and grow closer to Christ, I must spend time with Him. I must plan for it to be part of my day because it just won't happen. 

Read More Scripture - Friend, if we long to live Godly lives we must know and understand what that is...we need to get into God's Word, so it can get into us!

Read More Slowly - Scripture reading is not meant to be a task on my to-do list, but I'll be honest, sometimes it has been. If our desire is for God's Word to transform us, we must slow down and allow it time to work. This year I long to not just read the words with my eyes, but see them cut to my heart.

Really Meditate Scripturally - Our pastor linked this to a tea bag, we have to soak in God's Word. We have to think and pray about it. We can't just read our Bible in the morning and move on with our day...if we want God's Word to be living and active in our lives, we must think about it continuously and look for opportunities to apply what it says.

Reside More Submissively - I'll admit, I added this RMS because our pastor challenged us to think of one for his closing thought - OBEY! If you and I want to move towards godliness we must not only read God's Word and meditate on it, we must do it!! There are many commands in Scripture...ones God has given with expectation of us living them out. We must live in submission to Him and His Word.

It's only the 2nd day of the year and I've already failed, but I pray God tenders my heart and gives me the desire to persevere and the ability to get up when I fall, because I will. Friend, I pray He will do the same for you!!