New Year, Same God
To have a blessed year, it’s necessary to make room for blessings. We need to make room for all the good that God wants to give us this New year!
Philippians 3:13-14 KJV
[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
New Year, Same God
Empty your suitcase.
Latin American mothers usually buy souvenirs to send as gifts to all their relatives whenever they go on a trip.
The funniest thing of all is that they use their bags to transport all of that, too, regardless of the amount of space!
Have you ever been that passenger?
Although it might be funny to think about, the reality is that it can be a bit uncomfortable at times.
There are so many things for others to fit into the suitcase that you end up not having much space for what you really need.
The same happens with the suitcase of our life.
We are dragging baggage filled with things from previous experiences.
We carry many objects that make the suitcase heavy, and even worse, that take away space for what we really need to carry.
What should we remove to make room?
New Year, Same God
It may be a past situation that has hindered us from trying again.
Perhaps it is doubt that does not allow us to move forward, or hurtful words toward us that we have kept in our hearts.
It’s important to know that we are not obligated to carry these things, since they don’t belong to us,.
They belong to the past. How about we leave them there?
We need to make room for all the good that God wants to give us this New year!
Those new experiences and lessons, those new people, those new achievements …
To have a blessed year, it’s necessary to make room for blessings.
I know it’s hard to hope for the best when we look back and remember all of the bad things that happened,
but remember that God can make everything work for the better.
Today is a new opportunity to live differently, to live by faith and not fear, to accept, let go and move on.
Let’s carry a suitcase full of hope, love, joy, peace, patience, and dreams.
And Let’s leave behind what has only been a burden and observe how God helps us fill up with what is really worth it.
I‘ve already packed my suitcase for this trip, what are you waiting for?
New Year, Same God
Think about three things you’ve been carrying for a long time that have been dominating you. Give them to God and ask Him to help you not let these burdens remain a part of you.
A goal to achieve.
Wow, finally a new year! I feel very encouraged and ready to hit it.
New Year, Same God
The truth is that each person starts the year differently,
So, I asked some of my friends how they feel when a new year arrives, what things they do and if they are up for something.
These were some of their responses:
– “To be honest, I don’t set many goals for myself because I know I’m not going to meet all of them, but I feel happy to finish a year and be alive.”
– “Sometimes I feel good, other times I don’t give it much importance, it all depends on how the year ends. I do have goals; I start with approximately seven. “
– “Usually, I wait for the new year in a reflective way, I do an analysis of what I want and how I feel at the moment.”
– “When I start the year, I feel that I have the responsibility to fulfill everything I want and to create habits that help me to improve myself.”
– “I don’t think I’m good for this. A new year has arrived, I still want to do the same as always.”
Do you identify with any of these responses?
Each one of them has a common factor: They all set at least one goal.
New Year, Same God
Whatever your attitude for this new beginning is, it’s important that you also have goals to make this year a meaningful one.
Goals help us build on something, creating discipline and responsibility along the way.
What things do you want to do?
Set goals that you know you can reach, but that challenge you at the same time.
As long as we are alive, we’ll always have the opportunity to change and improve, so take advantage of it.
One time, a friend told me that he had no goals, that he was going to let everything go with the flow.
Do you think he’s going to have a meaningful year?
The possibilities are slim. Things don’t just happen; we have to make them happen.
God didn’t bring you to this world to live without meaning,
He wants to see you grow, improve yourself and achieve what you want.
He is already very clear about the plans he has for you.
Our goals in life may change,
but God remains the same, always ready to strengthen us and help us achieve anything under His will.
Make a list of 10 goals that you want to achieve this year, from the simplest to the ones that involve the most work. Identify what habits you need to develop to achieve them.
New Year, Same God
Believe in yourself.
It’s easy for us to see the good in everything and everyone.
We spend our lives admiring and praising other people’s talents and looks, and that’s great.
But when it comes to ourselves, it seems not to be that simple.
Whether you want it or not, you are going to spend your entire life with yourself, so don’t ignore your value!
God created each one of us with different talents and abilities, made us in His image and likeness, and thinks highly of us.
He sees all the potential you have, and in his word, He has left so many reminders of how important and valuable you are,
because He knew that at some point you might forget it.
Believing in yourself and appreciating how He made you is vital.
How many things have you not attempted thinking that you don’t have what it takes?
Sometimes we miss great opportunities by not trusting that we’re capable.
I’m hoping all of us could start a year of blessings, not doubts.
This is a year of trust, not fear.
New Year, Same God
And This is the year to accept challenges because “everything you want is on the other side of fear.” (Jack Canfield).
Here are four short tips that might help you increase your self-confidence:
- Think that you can.
It all starts in your brain, so it’s important to have a positive mind. The first step to achieving something is believing that you can do it.
- Talk to people who love you.
People who appreciate you usually see things in you that you don’t see yourself and remind you of how valuable you are.
Get together with people who make you feel needed and loved (God, for example).
- Find something of interest or that you are good at.
It’s much easier, and I would dare to say that it’s even pleasant, to fight for something that we really like.
Make sure you look for things that you are actually passionate about, so your will and effort will be greater.
- Believe what God says about you.
You’re so important that if Jesus had to give his life again for you, He would.
In the Bible there are a lot of beautiful verses dedicated especially to you.
God says that you’re loved, that you’re strong, that you are valuable and that you are able.
If the King of the universe believes in you, why don’t you?
Today you can choose to stop doubting yourself.
This may be a year where every time you look in the mirror, you see someone beautiful and whole in Christ.
Don’t let insecurity and fear take control of your life, God is already in control of it.
New Year, Same God
Identify three things that you find difficult to appreciate about yourself. What you can change, do it; What you can’t change, love it.
The best team
Real life is like school:
Everyone wants to join a group with the most intelligent,
and on a daily basis, we must also look for people who might help us succeed.
Earlier, I’ve given you three steps you can take to start a blessed year, but I saved the best one for last.
Life is better when we have good company; the loads become lighter, and the road is less hard.
New Year, Same God
That’s why it’s good that we’re part of a team: You don’t have to go it alone against the world.
I want you to consider making someone I know part of your life.
He’s a loyal friend and will watch your back.
EVERYTHING, absolutely everything, turns out well with Him by your side.
He always wins, there’s no battle that I’ve seen him lose.
And He’s very kind, when you lack or need something, you can get it from Him.
Furthermore, He won’t let you get discouraged, And He will be by your side to support you in your projects.
He is going to be with you in your most difficult moments and will help you to move forward.
Oh Yes! He is a real person;
so, He’ll tell you when you are deviating from your path and will advise you to find your way again.
The best part is I have already spoken with Him, and He is willing to be part of your team.
His name is Jesus; do you know him?
As you begin this new year, ask first for God’s blessing and approval.
Team up with Him today.
Let’s stop fighting so much against God,
allow Him to get on your way and trust that He’ll take you not where you want to, but where you need to go.
To walk with God is to walk safely, because He’s our guide.
A year full of blessings and experiences awaits us;
I’m calm because I belong to the team of a winner.
There will be challenges; not everything will be rosy, but it’s at that time that God shows us His power and care.
New Year, Same God
Remember:
Empty your suitcase by leaving everything bad behind.
Set goals to help you have a purposeful year.
Look at yourself as God sees you; you can do all things.
And finally, put your life (year) in the hands of God.
God + you = Victory assured.
Until next time!
With love, Leslie Ramírez.
New Year, Same God
Also Read: How to Handle Money – Diademng (thediademng.org)
Some level of Grace is required to empty certain suitcases! Lord help me.
@TheDiadem, you are indeed God sent .
My eyes are Opened !!
God has been so merciful to my family and I and I thank him so much. Thank you Jesus 🧎🏻♀️🙏🏻