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Topic: RESOLUTION (01/07/16)
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TITLE: Staying True To Your Commitment | Previous Challenge Entry
By AnnMarie Givans
01/14/16 -
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Time is one of our biggest nemeses. We are greatly influenced by time when it comes to our priorities. If time is not managed properly, it tends to throw us off balance. The end result is usually negative. Most of us are not good stewards of time; consequently we find ourselves juggling too many balls. Being immersed in several different things at once will eventually become overwhelming and you’ll find yourself racing against time to accomplish your tasks. Your attention will become divided, your focus will shift, and your priorities will inevitably change along the way. When these things happen you become neglectful, take things for granted, and commitments become compromised. The goal is to manage time; not have time manage you.
The best way to manage time is through the grace of God and with the help of the Holy Spirit. When things seem overwhelming stop, take a breath, and refocus. Psalms 61:2 “When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Put your cares in His hands and trust Him with your time. He will help you put everything in perspective and grace you through your task. Things are much easier when He is in it than when He is not.
The New Year has always been known for fresh starts. People have the best intentions, and they make big plans to change things in their lives. They start off gung-ho about their quest, but along the way they begin to lose their enthusiasm. Their plans falter as they return to the rut they were in before. Matthew 26:41 “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” As much as we wish to do something, the frailties of our body often make it impossible. God gave us his precious Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 “My grace is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in weakness…” Grab hold of Him, and allow Him to reveal things in His timing to you.
In this New Year, let your thoughts of God increase. Do more to strengthen and enhance your relationship with Him. Challenge your commitment and ask him to take you deeper in Him. That’s a scary thought to most, I know, because you know what comes with that request. Yes, the dreaded TEST: which I am sure you are not too eager to take.
Re-evaluate your priorities; make sure that God is still first in your life. Be mindful of Him in everything you do, think, and say, for you no longer live for yourself, but for Him. This is the time to Yield. Move as the Holy Spirit says to, without hesitation or thought. When he says its time to pray, you pray; when he says its time to praise, you praise; when he says its time to dance, shout, and worship, you do it and do it with zeal. Let Him lead and you follow. Be faithful and obedient to the spirit and you will remain true to your commitment, and prosper in every area of your life.
At all times, try to be aware of God’s presence. Do not fail to recognize His awesomeness. Give Him the credit in everything. Be thankful and praise His glorious name throughout your circumstances. He’s faithful and He never fails. All praise is to our God who makes all things possible. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “ In everything gives thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
I want to encourage you, my sisters and brothers in the faith, to hold strong and let your God be God, so He can be glorified in all His works in you and through you. Allow Him complete access to you, and see what marvelous things He brings your way this year. Rejoice in Him always. Happy New Year to you all, and enjoy the blessings of our God: Jehovah.
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The first major step is to make a commitment to Christ and stay true to Him.
Well done.
God bless~
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of using the second person voice in pieces like this as it feels a bit preachy to me. That's not necessarily a bad thing if that is your intention, but you could make the same points and give it a slightly different feel by switching to first person. For example: My attention became divided, my focus shifted, and my priorities inevitably changed along the way. When those things happened, I discovered I became neglectful, took things for granted, and commitments become compromised.
That is just an example to show you what I mean. For me, I feel the difference is more like a friend sharing with me. I tend to connect more. If you did that, you could change the last paragraph into a prayer. I think you have a knack for writing devotions. If you haven't submitted to FW devotions before, I'd urge you to do so. Keep reading other challenge entries and writing. I look forward to reading more of your work. I really think you have a lot of great thoughts.