Skip to main content

2019: Your Renewal & Transformation


The new year is a natural time of reflection, self-assessment, and goal-setting. What have we accomplished? What do we plan for the next 12 months? It is a valid and valuable exercise in the spiritual life of all Christians.
The New Year Marks a Great Time for New Beginnings. 

Paul’s letter to the Romans comes to mind today, both as a reminder to engage in self-assessment and to commit to renewal. Looking at the beginning of Romans 12 in reverse order, let’s start with reflection.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. – Romans 12:3 (NIV)

Sober judgement does not mean being overly critical of oneself; instead, it’s about being realistic. What have you done in the past year with the gifts, talents, and graces God has given you? Have you done everything (anything?) you could to help others, grow in your faith, and strengthen your relationships with God and other people? Have you been a good steward? Have you given from your abundance?

I will be the first to admit that I have fallen short. How are you doing?

Upon reflection, we might feel a bit uncomfortable. That’s good! Through reflection and prayer, we just might hear the Holy Spirit in the silence, encouraging us to do more in the new year.

What will that look like for you? How you offer yourself as a living sacrifice? How will your mind be renewed to contribute to your spiritual growth and transformation?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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. – Romans 12:1-2
Pray. Make a Plan. Make 2019 Your Year to Serve and Grow.

If you haven’t done so, take a few minutes – today, right now! – to plan. Pray about it. Identify where you have fallen short and where you know you can do more because you can. God gave you the gifts to do it! And you have the Holy Spirit within you as the unfailing energy to help you along the way.

Blessings to you for an incredible, faith-filled 2019. May it be a time of renewal and transformation, service and growth as you continue your faith journey.

= = =

What is your plan for spiritual growth and service to God and people for 2019? Feel free to share to get the conversation started in the comments section. 

Don't forget to subscribe to receive new "Faith Scribbling" updates. Thanks for visiting!  

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Book Study Invitation: "Rediscovering Humility" by Christopher Hutchinson

Christopher Hutchinson, Senior Pastor of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg, Virginia published Rediscovering Humility: Why the Way Up is Down  in 2018. I stumbled upon it when Tim Keller shared his recommendation of the book in a social media post in 2022.  Here is a link to Keller's recommendation:  https://www.readthistwice.com/book/rediscovering-humility   As I have read some of Keller's books and found each one engaging and worthwhile, I thought I would follow his advice and get a copy of Humility.  As soon as it arrived, I jumped in. Fast forward to 2023. For whatever reason - I think it was a Holy Spirit nudge - it crossed my mind while hiking during one of our weird, spring-like February Sundays in Connecticut to lead a study of the book. I also thought, "It would be fun to invite the author, too."  Well, here we are! Chris could not have been more gracious when I contacted him with my big ask: Will you join us for a session of our stu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Indifference is Unlikely

Focus Scripture: Luke 2:22-40 December 31, 2023 – 1 st Sunday after Christmas Indifference is Unlikely Some things we encounter in life elicit strong responses, some good, some bad. A song, a movie, an actor, an author, even a sports team: all can generate a response. I like the Eagles – the band, not the football team – but my wife can’t stand them. Why, I don’t know, but it is true. (How can you not sing along with “Desperado”? I don’t understand.) And the Dallas Cowboys, “America’s Team”: no thanks. But I know people who love them. Maybe that someone is you. Whatever your tastes, having these things to bicker and banter about can be good fun and a source of laughs as we stake out our positions. But sometimes, topics can generate much more serious responses. The being of Jesus Christ was and continues to be one of these more serious topics. As Christians, we should consider it the most consequential. In the Biblical narrative we just read (Gospel of Luke 2:22-40), we...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gasmask

  Focus Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 November 19, 2023 I served in the United States Army Reserve in the Military Police Corps. Basic training was at For McClellan, Alabama one long, hot summer in the 80’s, the year of the Chernobyl nuke plant meltdown. I only knew that because of the USA Today newspaper headline in the vending machine in the company common area. Yes, pre-internet.             One of the most memorable days in basic training was when we were exposed to tear gas. I did not say it was good, but it was memorable.             When we arrived for our appointment at the Disco Hut, the name of the building in which we were to have our encounter with the gas, the drill sergeants were almost giddy with anticipation. They were familiar with what was to come – they had seen it many times before – and they looked forward to our shocking moments of discover...
Post a Comment
Read more