Before 2018 starts.
With 2017 coming to a close, I’m sure everyone is thinking about the new year. We all have goals for different areas of our lives. Sometimes we write them down. Sometimes we keep them mentally as long as we can until someone encourages us to write them down. Before the new year arrives and we chase after new in 2018, what things will we leave in 2017? Whenever we want to get rid of a bad habit in our lives, we don’t stop the habit. We replace it with a good habit. Why? The habit is adding an element to our life. If the habit is good, it’s beneficial. If not, it can be detrimental. The bottom line is if we want to pick up something new, we first have to put down something old. This was God’s desire for so many people that He used. He wanted them to put down something old and pick up something new.
With Moses it was putting down excuses and picking up faith in God’s ability and provision.
With the children of Israel it was putting down this mindset of bondage and picking up a mindset of freedom.
With Gideon it was putting down low self esteem and picking up confidence in whom he was called to be.
The list goes on. I believe that 2018 will be your best year yet. I also believe that it won’t happen by default. Before the new year I encourage you to take a few minutes and reflect on what you will leave behind in 2017, so that you can pick up what God has for you in 2018. When I took the time to make my list, I came up with five things. I’ll share the first one with you today. One of the things on my list is mediocrity. I’m putting down mediocrity and picking up intentionality. I want to be intentional with every area of my life, whether it’s in work or working out. I want to work with purpose. I believe that because God is faithful, He honors faithfulness. When I set deliberate goals and take steps toward them, I believe He’ll supply the grace to make them happen. I encourage you to take some time to think about what you can leave in 2017 so you can pick up what God has for you in 2018.
Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
So take 10 minutes right now and make a list of what you’re putting down in 2017.
With Moses it was putting down excuses and picking up faith in God’s ability and provision.
With the children of Israel it was putting down this mindset of bondage and picking up a mindset of freedom.
With Gideon it was putting down low self esteem and picking up confidence in whom he was called to be.
The list goes on. I believe that 2018 will be your best year yet. I also believe that it won’t happen by default. Before the new year I encourage you to take a few minutes and reflect on what you will leave behind in 2017, so that you can pick up what God has for you in 2018. When I took the time to make my list, I came up with five things. I’ll share the first one with you today. One of the things on my list is mediocrity. I’m putting down mediocrity and picking up intentionality. I want to be intentional with every area of my life, whether it’s in work or working out. I want to work with purpose. I believe that because God is faithful, He honors faithfulness. When I set deliberate goals and take steps toward them, I believe He’ll supply the grace to make them happen. I encourage you to take some time to think about what you can leave in 2017 so you can pick up what God has for you in 2018.
Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
So take 10 minutes right now and make a list of what you’re putting down in 2017.