thetruthway&light

 "Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened." - Matthew 7:7-8

Ephesians 2:10

 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. - Romans 12:2 I asked myself: what is it that makes people feel so empowered to change at the beginning of a year vs. any other time? It's not new years resolutions and empty promises that make the new year an opportunity for change. The calendar change is just symbolic of leaving the past behind and pressing towards what is new. For some, this may mean leaving your old, nasty attitude in 2014 and being more positive in 2015. For others, it may mean embarking upon healthier relationships or eating habits. Although people tend to put a negative spin on "new year, new me", I think it's great that people feel empowered to make real changes in their lives. If you really think about it, the new year as a new, clean slate is like what God provides for us when we come to Christ...and when we mess up...and when we mess up again. Each time we have an opportunity to be washed, made whole, and try again. How can I hate on anyone trying to start anew? If you really want change and you're going to take real steps to achieve it, that's awesome. For me, this year is really about living the word. I feel like God is transforming and renewing my mind which is transforming my life. I'm praying that this transformation continues. I realize that many things I desired weren't healthy for me and I was really selling myself short. I feel that a closer walk with him and continued pruning will help truly form a new, joyous, and simple life for me. If you're serious about living a new life, it's possible with Christ and discipline. It's not that you'll become a new person, but a better one with real, effective change. Notice that the scripture says ENTIRE. That means in order to become the person you want to be in Christ, nothing is off limits. I find that often the things you want to keep the most are the things God will remove to mold you. As the scripture says, he'll remove anything that is not fruitful. Be prepared to let any and everything go. love & blessings. -lysh