This is also the time of year where so many people talk about the changes they're going to make going into 2017. New year, new me, right? Others plan on staying the exact same person with the same mindset.
For me, this year didn't really go the way I had planned. I lost my peace, I was anxious, things just were NOT flowing the way I (keyword here) wanted them to. (You see what happens when you try and dictate your own future) And while things we not all bad, they were definitely far from glamorous. I sat down and thought what I needed to do differently going into new year and how if changes aren't made, then 2017 will be the EXACT same as 2016. Nothing will change but the calendar.
So examine yourself-- what mindset are you bringing into the new year? Are there things you need to leave behind in the new year? Habits? People?
Staying the same person for some of us is dangerous entering the new year. We (I say we because we are all in this together and NO one is perfect) cannot enter the new with the same mindset that we have now.
Romans 12: 2 says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Let's break this down... Some of us aren't being transformed because we're still trying to please God with the SAME mindset we had before we got saved. You're still trying to please God and have your way as well. (Ouch) It doesn't work like that. You can love God all you want. You can go to church and post every scripture in the bible and still not be transformed. You can't elevate with stuff weighing you down. How can you expect "blessings" when you're in order with Christ?
The second half of that says "then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will". How can we know God's will for our lives, the new year, or for the week, if we still have a worldly mindset?
We can want God to move in our lives so much in 2017. But we cannot expect elevation without separation. Separation from sin, people, habits, ALL THAT. Any distraction that is hindering you, let it go.
Lastly, don't wait until the new year to focus on your relationship with God. There are 30 days left in this year and anything could happen between now and then.
We are living in a very dangerous time and your eyes really need to be focused on Christ in these last days.
1 Peter 5:8 says "be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."
Y'all ever seen a hungry lion? They seek around looking for the weakest to kill. They often kill the babies because they are the slowest and the most vulnerable. That's how the enemy is, he's looking for the one that's weak in their prayer life and spirit. Don't be caught slippin'.
Jesus. Is. Coming.
The word say 1 Timothy 4:1-- The spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
Don't fall away and be deceived.
Trust God, be obedient.
Be transformed.
xoxo.
