With the start of this new year, did you make any spiritual resolutions? Have you undertaken a Bible reading program to read the whole thing this year? Have you started a new Bible study? Have you been practicing a new spiritual discipline?

We are six days into the new year now. Are you still going strong?

Its good that we get the resolve to improve our spiritual life. God is always calling us toward a closer relationship with Him. But too often we are like a shooting star: we shine bright for a moment, but then burn out and things go back to the dimness of the night.

January:
“I am going to read my Bible for 20 minutes every single day. God is so captivating!”
“I’ve always wanted to understand the role of the Holy Spirit. I’m researching all of the verses about Him. God is so exciting!”
“Prayer and fasting were staples of the first century church. I’m going to practice this discipline every 3 weeks. I want so badly to please God!”

February:
“Ugh! Who has 20 minutes every day? I’ll double up my reading tomorrow.”
“I read about every mentioning of the Holy Spirit in the Bible and now I’m more confused than when I started. Is it really even that important?”
“After being hungry, I realize that maybe this spiritual discipline isn’t for me. Maybe I’ll find something else that’s more suitable.”

March:
*Crickets Chirping*

 

I know that its hard making a lasting change. I’m in the same boat. But I know that we can do this because I know who our God is. He will supply all the strength we need to grow (and stay) closer to Him (Phil 4:13). We have to realize that this is important; far more important than anything else we do in this world. Find a way that you can grow closer to God and then hold onto it for dear life.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

I would love to hear how you are growing closer to the Lord. Send me a message with what God has put on your heart to change in your life to bring you closer to Him.