READ: Galatians 5:16-23
Typical resolutions in January are to lose weight, exercise more, spend less time at work and more time with family—maybe even stop chatting on the cell phone while driving.
It’s not surprising that we want to change the things in our lives that we’re unhappy about—even though most New Year’s resolutions are kept for no more than 3 weeks.
What if you were to ask God what He wants you to change, improve, or begin this year? He might tell you to:
• Demonstrate more of the fruit of the Spirit in your life, which is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23).
• “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who . . . persecute you” (Matt. 5:44).
• “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
• “Be content with such things as you have” (Heb. 13:5).
• “Walk according to His commandments” (2 John 1:6).
As believers and new creations, we can be free from old patterns and failures. We must ask God to help us live each day in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we can shed the old and embrace the new (2 Cor. 5:17).
By knowing what He says to do
And trusting in the Spirit’s strength
To make us into someone new. —Sper
Bible in One Year: Genesis 25-26; Matthew 8:1-17
