It’s usually at this time of year, that there’s an influx of New Year resolutions, captions, post, blogs, new me’s, new this and new that happening. During all the new stuff, I am so thankful to know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. I am also reminded that I want to be more like Him and less like me.
It is at the start of this New Year that I begin to lay new foundations for the future. This year, I have not really made big, new resolutions, but I have decided to be faithful in my small ones. The mortar that holds my bricks together is daily prayer and Bible reading. A genuine time of intimacy with the Lord. This commitment to Christ is the foundation for successful relationships in my life. It has certainly been true for my parents, Pastors Gregory & Jackie Pope, over the last 50 years. I learned from them how to spend time talking with Daddy God.
Personally, that daily conversation with Him, helps me to have an unswerving love. This time of intimacy with the Lord has cemented promises in my heart that He has for me. Yes, I love prayer with my spouse, friends, and church family, but there is something about some one-on-one with my First Love that will forever change me. My quiet time with Him creates a connection and accountability that stabilizes my mind, will and emotions.
This time with the Lord adjusts my vision and my attitude. This means I get to choose my attitude. See attitudes have flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, even hot. It is not my spouse’s choice, my children’s choice, my coworker’s choice- it is my choice to choose the flavor. I personally know that I want to have a fruity flavor- a Galatians 5 attitude. This means that I don’t react to the wind of emotions, but instead I trust in the Truth of the Word. Philippians 2:5, “You must have the same attitude that Christ had.”
Stay vulnerable. Vulnerability is having the courage to be truthful about your flaws. And maturity is choosing to grow and strive to be the best version of you. During this prayer and word time you will realize that God loves you so much. He sees your strengths and weaknesses and still loves you. He also loves us too much to leave us the way we are. I said yes many years ago to this lifelong journey of walking, talking and following Him. Becoming the best version of me, becoming more like Him, Jesus.
Allison Bramlett 