Friday, January 6, 2023
2023 is here, and it will take some getting used to. The further we get away from 2020 and its bizarre cousins, 2021 and 2022, the better off we are. Right? No one wants to live by the memory of the chaos, death, and destruction that overwhelmed much of the world over the past three years, especially the parts camped out in our backyards.
But is taking a torch to the nightmares the best approach? Remembering previous mayhem, mistakes, and heartache can help navigate future storms. It lets you know what you’re fighting for and will, hopefully, lead you to discovering what it takes to shed your cocoon and grow into a butterfly.
2 Peter 1:3
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.
Discovering how to grow is easier than you think. God has graciously provided us with a way to move forward in a new life as he intended. You achieve this by building a personal relationship with him—a bond unlike any other you formed before you made the choice to accept and live by his promises.
A way to remember what awaits us is to intentionally and purposefully take steps to grow your faith. Communion is one of those ways. Taking Communion reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice to shine a light on God’s selfless love for humankind.
Committing yourself to regular prayer is another opportunity to grow closer to God and better understand his deep love for us. This month as a church we will be kicking off our 21 days of Prayer and Fasting. Will you join us?
Our Savior has never broken a promise to us. On the other hand, New Year’s resolutions are promises we all tend to break within a few weeks. Why is that? Are we doomed to fulfill our new year’s resolutions because we continue to run from our past instead of walking a path of God’s righteousness to the future he has prepared for us?
Take the opportunity in 2023 to grow your faith. Write the next chapter of God’s story for you instead of closing the book altogether.
Questions:
Have you ever been left feeling empty from your resolutions?
What steps have you taken to grow in your faith?
How do you want to grow in 2023?
Next Steps:
Be proactive in growing your faith in 2023 by participating in the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting text campaign—text “21 Days” to 419-419-0707. Make an effort to live out your purpose by joining a Group this January. Invite others to join one as well.
Prayer:
God, Communion is a chance to remember your sacrifice that saved us all and to look forward to your promises for eternal salvation. Thank you for providing us with your undeserving love and grace. Each day, month, and year reminds us that a life with you in eternity is only a moment away. I pray that each of us sees how special that is. Amen.
This post was written by Jaron Camp. Jaron is a storyteller and a professional ghostwriter who enjoys using his gifts to write for the LivingItOut. When he’s not developing fictional worlds, researching, and writing, Jaron enjoys watching sports, participating in family game night, and spending time with his wife and four kids.