How to Start the New Year Off Right.
Overcoming the past and Spiritual Exercises for this year.
Video of my notes on Facebook Live. This was live, so it was a little less polished!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL2bZneT8jE
For many 2017 was a hard year, and it is carrying over already into 2018.
(1) You may be suffering from serious regretful decisions this past year. Guilt and Shame are eating away at you.
(2) Sickness or Disease has brought you to a place where you have no hope.
(3) Job/Career situation where you seem to be losing the battle.
(4) Suffering hardship of loss and life is spiraling out of control.
“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philppians 3:13-14
Friends there is hope in Christ!!!
1. For those with Shame and Guilt from regretful decisions, there is forgiveness. See Romans 8
-
When you turn to Christ, there is forgiveness and restoration!
-
There is nothing you have done, – ever – that Christ cannot forgive!
-
God is not in the condemning business, He is in the forgiving business!
-
There is NO condemnation for those who turn to follow Christ!
2. For those suffering sickness, God is still in the healing business!
-
Jesus went to one town and could not hardly heal anyone, because of their unbelief. He wanted to heal more. He wanted to help more, but they failed to believe
-
Faith is the currency that moves the heart of God!
-
Does everyone get healed? No.
-
But I would rather go out of this world, trusting God, loving God, hoping in God and spreading joy than go out bitter and angry at God and the world!
-
See James 5
3. For those who are in a Job crisis!
-
Jesus is LORD! He is over all things and can open up doors for you that you could never imagine.
-
Ask Him for His direction, His help, His power in your life!
-
He promises wisdom to all who ask Him, to those who believe He will give you direction!
-
See James 1
4. For those who are suffering severe hardships, and you don’t think there is anyway out!
-
Don’t believe that lie!
-
God is in the business of restoring the broken!
-
Don’t get stuck in the valley, you are passing through it!
You are going to come out on the other side, stronger with a greater purpose than you have ever had!
-
God is for you! He is not against you!!!
-
Seek Him and His direction in your hardships!
This year, put yourself in position to receive God’s spiritual help in your life.
Unless you put on your walking shoes or hit the gym, you are not putting yourself in position to receive the physical benefits of exercise.
Spiritual exercises that will help you overcome whatever you are going through:
1. Start reading the Bible.
-
Spend 3-5 minutes each morning, just reading a passage from the Bible. It may be one verse, it may be one chapter.
-
Begin the Gospel of Luke or John.
-
And Read the Psalms as well, especially if you are going through hard times.
2. Pray daily.
-
It is not selfish to pray for yourself.
-
Pray for your family, friends, and yourself.
-
Make a list of things that are really needed in your life and theirs.
-
Spend some time, thanking God for what He has done, and asking Him to intervene in the needs you share with him.
3. Get in a Bible Study with some others who are seeking to follow Christ.
-
Learn how to study the Bible for yourself.
-
Don’t isolate yourself.
-
Everyone is going through some kind of hard times.
-
If they are not right now, hang on… it won’t be long.
4. Find a good Bible believing church that actually uses the Bible.
5. Go serve someone less fortunate that yourself.
-
It will be good for them and good for you!
-
You won’t regret it.