Tuesday, January 1, 2013

A Happy New Year




Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Resolution: Not just survive, not just live, but excel in the Lord’s purposes in order to make me better by striving to grow and mature to be the best that I can be, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually as a child of God. Faithful in the little and big things of life, being a part of the big picture, of what God is doing in this world, a positive influence, grateful, building trust, encouraging, uplifting, caring, inspiring, equipping, joined together in unity and fellowship, pulling together in the same direction - Godward, while building relationships centered in Christ and the Word of God. Not by compulsion, but by a willing desire. Remembering always, that sin is leprosy of the soul which the blessed Savior remedied when I came to the foot of the Cross in faith and repentance as a helpless sinner. Jesus Christ is God incarnate (with skin on) and the eternal God/Man – fully God and fully man. As a sinless man, Jesus had the power of substitution, to pay the atoning price for our sins. But as God, Christ had the power of Forgiveness and Salvation. The living and personal God that orders our yesterdays that shaped us, blessed today and our bright tomorrows on the road to heaven. Faith in Almighty God and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ is the security of the Believer and the insecurity of the “make-believer”.
  
God is gracious, not because you and I are who we are, but because of who He is, in love and mercy. This side of the Cross, I strive not to major on the minors, but keeping the Main thing (Jesus) the main thing. There is a difference between that which you cannot do and that which you will not do. Not desiring something for nothing, not in entitlement, but in accountability, responsibly and duty to God, our Maker and Redeemer. Striving for excellence with our God-given potential for His holy purposes is the goal. Not to succeed just in life, nor just each day, but in each step along the way, the truth and the life. Now, that would be a happy new year!

Luke 16:10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”

Happy New Year, in the year of our Lord, 2013.

In Christ, Brian

8 comments:

Larri said...

Happy New Year, Brian! Looking forward to watching you grow with these resolutions in 2013.

PS...Yes, that home (no longer ours) was built in the early 50s. We loved it, but outgrew it more and more with each child. We 'upgraded' to a home built in the 70s. :) Love the character these homes have!

child of God said...

Happy New Year Brian! I am thrilled to continue walking through 2013 with you and watching you as you fill this resolution.

Father knows the plans He has for us and they are good!

Be blessed,
<><

Brian Ray Todd said...

Thank you Larri for the support and encouragement. But a closer look at this resolution reveals the details that each of us need in following and serving the Lord every day. The challenge is in keeping our eyes off the distractions of life, capturing every thought and walking in the Spirit, through the lens of Jesus teachings, aligned with the will of God. That is what we strive for as a goal 24/7/365. Thanks for watching and being such a blessing.

Brian Ray Todd said...

Child of God, Thank you for pointing out that it is our heavenly Father that knows the plans for each of our lives according to His Purposes, being revealed to us daily on our life experience journey, where it is my hope and prayer that we learn and grow in maturity along the path to heaven. A path filled with Tailor-made adventure for us by Him and ultimately for His glory. May each of us be on that road. Route 2013 starts today. Thank you for coming with me.

Alice said...

May we all be resolute to walk worthy of our Calling this year and every day.

Happy New Year Brian!

Brian Ray Todd said...

Amen Ma! If we could strive to walk worthy of our calling, we will be on the "right" path. Walking with Jesus. Walking in the Spirit. Walking the ways of Almighty God, our heavenly Father. Wow! Thanks Ma for the "Mawesome" comment!

Ken said...

Hi Brian,
I pray that you have a blessed 2013. Keep pressing on toward the upward calling in Christ Jesus. I love your resolution to strive for excellence in your walk with the Lord.
Ken

Ken said...

Hi Brian,
I pray that you have a blessed 2013. Keep pressing on toward the upward calling in Christ Jesus. I love your resolution to strive for excellence in your walk with the Lord.
Ken