We)lcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalm 118:24)

Let’s begin the year focusing on being rational. Today we’ll focus on rational resolutions.

In 2 Timothy 4:5 (ERV)
the Apostle Paul instructed…
But you should control yourself at all times. When troubles come, accept them. Do the work of telling the Good News. Do all the duties of a servant of God.

Consider…
Have you made your New Year’s resolution? What’s your word or montra for 2024? Are either or both reasonable and attainable? More importantly, are either or both spiritual?

Often we begin a new year focusing on improving our physical, mental, emotional and financial health. But how many of focus on improving our spiritual health?

When I think of improving my spiritual health, my beloved Pastor Gallmon’s words come to mind. Every new year he would say (paraphrasing), if you’re a liar, resolve to lie less or if you curse too much, commit to curse less. His wise counsel aligns with Ephesians 4:28‭-‬32 (NLT), which says…
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

I also remember my beloved Pastor saying none of us can be sinless, but we can all sin less. Those words remind me of the Romans 6:1‭-‬2 (ERV) challenge, which says…
So do you think we should continue sinning so that God will give us more and more grace? Of course not! Our old sinful life ended. It’s dead. So how can we continue living in sin?

Since we typically choose to use the new year as a reset, new beginning or fresh start, it is a good idea to get our word from God’s Word. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) provides an inspiring word on being new…
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

And because we are new in Christ, Galatians 5:24‭-‬25 (NLT)
reminds us…
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

We must die so that the Holy Spirit can live in and through us.

So while the world focuses on improving the physical, mental, emotional and financial, choose to be different in 2024 and focus on improving for God.

Improving for God includes today’s verse, which sets Christ-like goals to…

• Control yourself at all times.
• When troubles come, accept them.
• Do the work of telling the Good News.
• Do all the duties of a servant of God.

So this year, rather than making irrational resolutions that may help us gain the world, but lose our souls, let’s follow the Holy Spirit’s lead and rationally resolve to evolve for God.

Today’s song is…
Different
https://youtu.be/XFT0zoKQWaM?si=UG6XL07TrKGiMXpF

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)