Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 15, 2019
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
As I write this, the New Year is just around the corner and people everywhere are hoping that the next 12 months will be different than the previous 12. Even those who had what they would describe as a great year have habits they hope they will be able to overcome and desires they pray will come to pass.
Maybe you can relate. Perhaps there is something you’d like to accomplish this year that you haven’t been able to accomplish before. And, maybe you’ve tried and failed so this year you’re telling yourself, “Why try? I always fail.”
I recently read 2 Peter 1:3 and it spoke to me about making life changes and reaching goals, and it encouraged me. I hope it encourages you too.
The NIV version of this passage says: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
The NLT is even more punchy: “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.”
A godly life is living God’s way. A godly life is doing God’s will. It’s not being ruled by anything that is not of Him—but instead—being ruled by His Spirit. A godly life is having the right relationship between yourself and God in every way—which has everything to do with New Year’s resolutions.
For example, perhaps you have been thinking you want to overcome the compulsion to overeat. You know that taking care of your body is what God desires for you, but you feel you just can’t—and you have been telling yourself you can’t for years. But you can. Why? Because, self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. And, the Lord has given you what you need to live a godly life, including being self-controlled. Now, you just need some practical tools to implement into your daily life, and perhaps some support, coupled with the belief that you can. You have the power to change. God has given you the power to change because He has given you everything you need to live a godly life.
Perhaps you have had a difficult time in relationships and you say yes far too often. In the new year, you want to have better boundaries. You know you are being ruled by fear, and that fear is not of God. According to 2 Peter 1:3, since He has given you the power to live a godly life, you don’t have to be ruled by fear. Now, you just need some support—perhaps some good counsel—coupled with the belief that you can overcome fear, along with some practical tools on how to say no, and then you have the power to change. God has given you the power to change because He has given you everything you need to live a godly life.
Maybe you want to overcome an insecurity that causes you to shrink back when you want to take career risks. You feel that God is calling you to serve Him in a new way, but the thought of moving forward feels frightening. So for years you’ve been putting off stepping out to become more of who God made you to be, and you’ve been telling yourself, “I can’t.” But you can, because He has given you everything you need to live a godly life, which includes serving Him in the ways He has called you. Now, pray, make a plan, surround yourself with others who say you can, and move forward in the face of fear. You can because He says you can.
What changes do you want to make in the new year? Have you already given up? Begin again by beginning with belief. Without it you won’t be able to change; but with it, you’ll agree with God that He has given you what you need to overcome obstacles. Then, you’ll wholeheartedly receive His power that can help you change.
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4).
Prayer
Lord, thank you that I can because of you. Where I am weak, you are strong. Anything that is not of you can be overcome. How I praise you, Jesus! Help me to believe you. Amen.
Application
Take a moment and think about what you want to accomplish this year. Talk with the Lord about it and thank Him that you can overcome ungodly obstacles to live a godly life.
Related Reading
2 Peter 1:3-9; Isaiah 41:13; Matthew 21:22
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