Once again the calendar has been reloaded and we are faced with the uncertainty of the future and history of the immediate past. Therefore, the present requires a very thoughtful examination of the past year and a closer look at our hopes for 2012.
Each year at this time many make resolutions and some are successful in their follow through while a significant number of those resolutions will be quickly rationalized away.
How will this year be different? Change is desired, but difficult for most of us, never the less change is necessary in order to grow into the people God has created us to become. We have to look closely at our spiritual health, our relationship with God and His church community. Will our prayers be more consistent and deeper? Will our Bible study be more consistent and enriching? Will our support through active participation be consistent as well?
Financially, we have to be very conscious of changing economic conditions in our community as well as personally. That includes our offerings to God through the work of the church.
How will we build relationships that are more meaningful in our families, jobs, and community? These questions can be uncomfortable; yet seeking answers yields much Holy Spirit fruit. Living by the Spirit isn't easy because it requires studying the Word of God and choosing to live by those Words of Life.
Of course, these questions are old and yet they are vital to living a life that honors Jesus Christ and opens the doors of heaven to blessings upon blessings.
Take time to look back, but only for course corrections and reviving a personal vision for the future. Then we can ask God to use us as workers who the Lord sends after those precious people we encounter daily. Let us "Sow in the Spirit" together!
Michael L. Dublin, Sr., Evangelist
