The Word - January 2, 2012 - Resolutions That Please The Lord

"Carefully determine what Pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead expose them. So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord desires you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will end up ruining your life. Instead be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 5: 10,11;15-18).

Have you made your "New Years Resolutions" yet; the ones we usually end up breaking before the end of the month? Most of us are good at making plans about our life. Unfortunately, they end up being just that....only plans! How discouraging! How do we change things?

First of all, we need to heed the words of Proverbs 21:5: "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity." So I encourage you to take the time to seriously write down specific goals for this new year, that means blending both practical and spiritual goals into one! That would be a major achievement in itself! For many it would mean realizing for the first time that our lives need to be all of one piece, to let the Lord be in charge of every facet, every part of our life.

One thing for sure, in order for that to happen you will need the help, direction and wisdom of the Lord to even get started. You see it involves Him being in charge of every area of your life, what you do, what you think, how you act in the work place and at home, as well as on Sunday at church.

Most important of all will mean actually spending time in conversation with the Lord each and every day. Don't leave this to chance, if you fail to set aside the time for prayer and the reading of God's Word, all kinds of other things will fill your schedule.

So how about it! Let's get started! Write down specific goals in order for your life to become all of "one piece" instead of being divided into work, play and spiritual. "Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord desires you to do." My prayer for us all is that 2012 is the year in which our lives will become planned and carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit; that we will all finish what we start, resulting in victory for us and glory for the Lord!