2013 - A Successful Year in the Making

I've made some commitments for 2013.  I guess most people will call them New Year's resolutions, but I'm calling them commitments.  I haven't done that well on keeping my resolutions, so I'm committing to these commitments!  (-:  I want to end 2013 better off than I was at the end of 2012.

I know what you're thinking.  I bet you're thinking something like, "She's got a weight loss goal like everyone else.  She's going to get fit."  Well, that would be semi true, but actually, my main goals are spiritual goals.  You see, in 1 Timothy 4:8 it says that physical exercise is good, but spiritual exercise is even better.  I am making some spiritual goals.  I want to purposely set out to grow in my faith this year.

And what are those spiritual goals?  My first goal is to re-read the Bible this year.  You know, if you read the Bible for 30 minutes a day you can read the complete Bible seven times in one year!  Wow!  Why don't we do this every year?!?!?!?  I was given a Daily Walk Bible, and I'm going to use it to guide me through the entire Bible.  It's only taking me a few minutes each morning and I can tell you I feel like I've already grown in my faith.

Secondly, I'm going to commit to memorizing scripture.  This is harder for me, but I've found that hiding God's Word in my heart is very useful in helping me conquer my sins.  For example, when I am fearful I like to recite Jeremiah 29:11.  It says God has GREAT plans for me, and plans not to harm me but to give me a hope and a future.  When I'm feeling defeated I like to think about Romans 8 and the verse that says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"   God's Word is truly a lamp for our feet and a light for our paths.  As my children memorize scripture for school each week, I'm going to memorize those scriptures with them.

What are your goals for 2013?  Have you thought about making spiritual goals this year?  What if we all purposely set out to be closer to God in 2013 and actually accomplished that goal?  Heck, what if we all set out to accomplish that goal and only got 1/2 way there?  We'd still be better off than we were in 2012!

Jesus, thank You for loving me.  Thank You for giving Your life for me.  I love You dearly and I want to be closer to You each day.  I need You, Lord.  I commit to following You in 2013.  I commit to running to You and Your Word for comfort and knowledge.  You are my hope.  Help me, Lord. ~ Amen