The dawn of the New Year always brings moments of self-evaluation and decisions. It is time gyms are flooded with newcomers, and diet websites profit from people’s desire to lose weight and improve their lives.

There is no question that many devoted believers also start a new year with a renewed commitment to good health and better life choices.

In the past several years, I have noticed many Christians beginning the new year with a fast – a time to “reset” their spiritual lives and cleanse their minds and lives to hear God’s voice more clearly.

Several ministries start a 21-day fast this week as congregations pray and sacrifice, seeking a year filled with God’s favor, provision, healing, and clear direction.

As I was praying and reading my bible early this week, I heard these words in my spirit: “More than saved – called.” The verse that rested in my heart as I thought about the meaning of the sentence was Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

My heart filled with joy as I read the words and digested the deep meaning of this passage.

Carefully placed in the very book Paul was inspired to write to help believers better understand the dimensions of God’s eternal purpose for his children, this verse tells everything we need to know to step into our God-given destiny confidently.

For we are His workmanship

Do you realize that the very Creator of the Universe “crafted” you to do exactly what He has called you to do?

Do you realize that the very Creator of the Universe "crafted" you to do exactly what He has called you to do? #NewYear2023 #MondayMotivation #Calledtoserve #useyourgifts #spiritualgifts
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I became a teacher at the tender age of 10.

We had a live-in maid in Brazil whom I loved dearly. When I discovered that she could not write or read, I could not believe it. I became determined – I was going to teach her to read and write.

My mom was a teacher and worked for our city hall, where she directed the program for illiterate adults. 

When she heard my plea, she brought home a package containing their program’s methodology to teach adults. Dad hung a blackboard in a room in our backyard, and every day, when I got home from school, I would teach my dear Sonia (not her real name). 

Day after day, month after month, I saw her eyes beam with joy as words and sentences became alive before her.

That experience ignited a passion for teaching that continued when I turned 15 and started teaching English as a second language in my ESL school in Brazil. After graduating college, I started my own Language Institute, where several other teachers and I taught adult students to speak a foreign language.

All of this happened before I ever met my Savior.

Little did I know He was preparing me, honing the gifts He placed in me, because one day, He would call me to teach His word… and proclaim His grace and mercies to anyone who would hear.

He created us for what He calls us to do

“(You) are created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand so that (you) would walk in them.”

When you accepted Christ, you became a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17 ). You received not only a new nature but also a new assignment. The Good Works that God prepared for you to do before you were even born are now ready for you.

When you accepted Christ, you became a new creature. You received not only a new nature but also a new assignment. #NewYear2023 #MondayMotivation #Calledtoserve #useyourgifts #spiritualgifts
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But look at the last part of this verse:

“So that we would WALK in them.”

Did you see that?

1) The work was created by God for you and me to do from before the foundation of the world.

2) He called us BECAUSE He equipped us (crafted us) with what it takes to do His work (Psalm 139).

3) We cannot only say we believe this truth. We have to WALK in it by faith.

God calls us out of our comfort zone.

As you hear God speak at the beginning of this year, He may call you to step out in faith and start something new, change a career or make hard decisions concerning unhealthy relationships. 

Change is always frightening. Starting or changing something that requires more than you believe you have in you is indeed a daunting task.

Remember, God did not save us only so we would be spared from eternal damnation. He redeemed us so we would have an abundant life right here on earth, and so that all those gifts that He has placed in us, and the plan He crafted for us before the foundation of the world, would be set in motion, one step of obedience at a time. (John 10:10; Matthew 5:13-14)

So, this message is for you and me – people who are called to do more than we are able. People who hear a “go” into the dark, out of their comfort zone:

If you want peace, joy, and victory, God’s calling needs to jump out of your journal and become “action.”

If you want peace, joy, and victory, God's calling needs to jump out of your journal and become 'action.' #NewYear2023 #MondayMotivation #Calledtoserve #useyourgifts #spiritualgifts
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It’s trembling knees as you step out. It’s holding His hand as you see the dark before you, yet keep going. 

It’s the very definition of faith. And by it, as the great men and women of Hebrews 11, you will gain your heavenly Father’s approval:

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.” Hebrews 11:1-2   

And without this faith, without this “walking in” type of faith, you will not be victorious at the end of this year.

So go on, my friend! Step out in this glorious truth:

If God called you, He equipped you.

If He equipped you, it’s because He has a task for you… and a blessing after you step out in faith.

If God called you, He equipped you. If He equipped you, it’s because He has a task for you… and a blessing after you step out in faith. #NewYear2023 #MondayMotivation #Calledtoserve #useyourgifts #spiritualgifts
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But the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB).

Is anybody else feeling the need to tone up after the holidays? While tight pants scream the need for physical discipline, Paul reminds us, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8 NLT).

Soft pillows and sweaters enhance our rest and keep us warm. But a flabby body and faith hinder us in everyday living. We know our bodies require the right fuel and exercise to flourish, but have you considered the important role spiritual nutrition and exercise play in vibrant faith?

We know our bodies require the right fuel and exercise to flourish, but have you considered the important role spiritual nutrition and exercise make in vibrant #faith? #RechargeWednesday @DebbieWWilson
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Studying my Bible feeds my faith, but I also need to exert my faith to thrive. Knowing the perils of fragile faith and the benefits of firm faith helps me utilize my faith muscles.

Here are two lists to help us take inventory of the condition of our faith.

Fragile Faith:

• Worries, frets, and forgets we have a Father who knows our needs (Matthew 6:30, Psalm 23:1).
• Is timid and fearful (Matthew 8:26).
• Is easily sabotaged by distractions (Matthew 14:30-31).
• Quickly forgets God’s history of faithfulness (Matthew 16:8-10).
• Limits our spiritual power (Matthew 17:18-21).
• Limits our options (Romans 14:1-2).

Firm Faith:

• Believes what God says (Matthew 8:5-10).
• Provides healing of body and soul (Matthew 9:2, 22, 29, 15:28).
• Restores our sight—literal sight in this passage, but also spiritual sight (Luke 18:42).
• Grows stronger through impossible circumstances (Romans 4:19-20).
• Is demonstrated through obedience (Romans 16:26, Hebrews 11).
• Is based on God’s power not man’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:5).
• Has Christ as its object (Gal. 2:20, Hebrews 12:2).
• Is bold (2 Timothy 1:7).

How did you do? If, like me, you checked too many in the fragile faith category, don’t fret! (see #1 in Fragile list!) Instead, create a plan to renew your mind and strengthen your faith muscles.

• Schedule time to read your Bible and talk with Jesus each day.
• Plan what you will read next (Click here for a free resource on how to read your Bible and get a personal word from God.)

All living things need constant care, including faith. No one brushes her teeth and says, “Done, I never have to do that again!” So it is with faith. Moment by moment, opportunity by opportunity, we must choose to walk by faith, or, by default, we defer to sight.

Moment by moment, opportunity by opportunity, we must choose to walk by faith, or, by default, we defer to sight. #RechargeWednesday @DebbieWWilson
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This year, let’s choose faith! May our lives flourish as we walk with Jesus.

P.S. My book Little Faith, Big God, which looks at Hebrews 11, comes out February 10th. I’d appreciate your help in getting the word out. If you’d like to consider joining my launch team, please contact me.

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#Recharge LINKUP party is back after the Holidays! This week, my friend @DebbieWWilson invites us to start the New Year by honestly evaluating our faith. Join us and share your blog!!
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Did you learn to write using the sandwich strategy?

Although I’m sure Saul of Tarsus didn’t know this strategy, he did follow the pattern in the famous passage found in Philippians 3:12-14:

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

In his introduction and conclusion, Paul gives us a thesis. In between, we find supporting points. This particular word-sandwich is meaty substance for faith-living. The wisdom Paul packs into this passage is a substantial feast for us! Especially as we set goals and make resolutions.

For “Wich”

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

Paul had a clear purpose for all that he did, and he derived that purpose from Christ. In fact, by striving to take hold of the very thing Jesus chose him for, Paul makes it clear that God has chosen you and I for a purpose too.

Jesus took hold of us for a reason, and that should be our reason for being.

The Not Yet

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.”

We’ve got work to do to God’s glory every day we’re alive. As we set out to accomplish His purposes, we need to know that there’s going to be a “next” and “more” asked of us.

As we achieve many goals, the Goal is going to last until we’re with Jesus and perfected in Him.

The Leaving

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”

Have you ever thought about what Paul left behind to follow Jesus? He had been a high-ranking, well-known man. His reputation, his life work, his community, even (in a sense) his religion, had to be left to strain ahead toward Christ.

We should expect that pursuing God’s purposes will involve leaving and losing, not just gaining.

The Pressing

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize.”

Add the previous verse’s “strain” to this verse’s “press on” and the point is clear.

Reaching a goal requires persistence and perseverance.

For “Wich”

“…for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Rounding out the sandwich-style wisdom, we are reminded of what needs to encompass our purposes. All the pressing on, all the leaving behind, all the not-yet of pursuing a goal is for a reason.

Our reason is ultimately Jesus, and our goal-setting is done best with Him as our focus.

May we be full with this wisdom in this season of change-seeking and resolution-keeping!

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The post Recipe for a Wisdom Sandwich {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Originally from Brazil, I was used to the “Réveillon” celebrations, widely famous for parties that last through the morning hours, while beautiful people glamorously dressed in white crowd the beaches to watch magnificent fireworks.

As it happened, my husband announced that he had to be in bed by 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. As an inventory control manager for a factory, New Year’s Day was the most critical time of the year, and he intended to retain the record of highest inventory accuracy among all the plants of the corporation for the seventh year in a row. He had to be on site at 3 a.m., therefore, our lonesome party ended at 9 that evening.

As much as that experience made me resent inventory control that night, I later realized how vital his commitment to excellence and accuracy had become for his employer.

When he took the job years before, the inventory control department of that particular factory was in disarray. The company was losing millions of dollars in raw materials, as well as finished goods. In one year’s time, my husband was able to change that scenario by implementing daily check points, monthly thorough inventory control counts and standard operating procedures, which the company uses to this day, over a decade after he left that particular job.

I remember him describing how simple daily checks corrected serious production line leaks, and small changes in operating procedures allowed the company to save millions of dollars every year. I was proud beyond measure, and never resented our early bedtime on New Year’s Eve again.

“Take Inventory.” That was the thought that came to my mind on Jan. 1 this year, when I sat down early in the morning with a cup of coffee, my bible and a notebook in hand, ready to write down some objectives for 2017. However, rather than starting a new list without looking back, I felt compelled to take inventory of the year that ended just hours before.

My husband’s conversations about the importance of inventorying “finished and unfinished goods” before starting a new year came to mind. And I realized that I could not expect a successful 2017, unless I took an honest look at where I succeeded and, more importantly, where I failed in the year that ended.

Not long ago, I read the testimony of a compulsive overeater who participated in the “Twelve Steps” recovery program, which is patterned after the Alcoholics Anonymous’ Plan. On step Number Four, the participants are confronted with a different type of inventory:

“(We) make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

The inventory I felt compelled to take had nothing to do with the list of things that I had set to accomplish in 2016. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even have one. This inventory would involve searching my heart, while honestly evaluating less tangible items than a to-do list: my walk with God, my relationship with family and friends, my words, attitude, and my desire to serve others.

More than checks on a to do list for the New Year, God wants me to seek first His Kingdom in 2017.
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While spending a long time inventorying my previous year, I was able to realize that more than successful accomplishments and checks on a to-do list, God is calling me to, as Jesus said, “store up treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

With that sobering thought forefront in 2017, I realize that, if only I “seek first his kingdom and righteousness,” God will guide me and help me accomplish even more than I could think or ask for in this brand-new year.

This article was published in Patricia’s column for the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Faith & Value Section on Saturday, January 7th.

Patricia Holbrook is a Christian author, blogger and international speaker. Her book, “Twelve Inches,” is on sale at Barnes & Nobles, Amazon and retailers worldwide. Visit her website www.soaringwithHim.com. For speaking engagements and comments, email pholbrook@soaringwithHim.com.

The post Take Inventory Before Planning the New Year {Atlanta Journal Constitution Column} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.