Jewels From Judy

Some Thoughts on New Years Resolutions

The Lord spoke very clearly to me concerning New Year's Resolutions.  It is my prayer that what He said will also help you.

This is what happened:  For several months I had really been searching and asking the Lord questions like, "What am I missing?"  "What is hindering me?"  Then as I was reading the newspaper, I came across an article about how to make New Year's Resolutions.  It said that keeping our list of resolutions to 1-3 things will help us from being overwhelmed.  My weight has really been a preoccupation of mine, so I thought, 'I know, I will have just one goal and it will beto get into shape!' 

My well-intended thought was disrupted by a still small voice that said, "No! Your one goal will be to spend more time with Me in the secret place."

It dawned on me that anything hindering us from what God has asked us to do cannot continue when exposed in the presence of the Lord!  It must let go!  As we cooperate with God, whatever it is that has kept us from His perfect plan for our lives will be revealed.  But only as we submit to God in the secret place.  This means to simply go alone to God the Father in the name of Jesus in prayer and praise; read His word and listen to His voice.  (See John 10:27 or better yet, verses 1-30) 

Thank God there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ!  The law of sin and death condemns, but the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets us free.  When we fail, He loves us where we are at and helps us from that point.  He will never leave us.  Thank God He will walk us through every challenge in life and not abandon us!  (See Romans 8)  Thank God His mercies are new every morning!  (See Lam 3:21-26)

I believe the Lord would say to you and to me that whatever our New Year's Resolutions are, we must lay them down before the Father. He will break our chains in pieces, shatter the gates of bronze, and cut iron gates to set us each free! The God of heaven and earth anointed Jesus to proclaim liberty to the captives and open the prisons to those who are bound.  Anything that is keeping us in bondage, any type of bondage, the Lord wants to set us free from it.   (See Ps 107:10-16, 19-22, 43 and Is 61:1)

As Jesus taught us in Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and all else will fall into place.  God knows our needs.  Let us seek His face first.  Let us be still and know that He is God.  After all, He knows how to part the sea!  He surely knows what we need!  You may be hearing in your spirit that it is time to fast and really seek His face. Seek His wisdom in this and follow His instructions.  (See Ps 46:10; 2 Chron 7:14, Prov 8:17; Jer 29:11-14, Luke 11:10; John 10: 3-5)

May you thrive in the secret place of the most High God in 2005 and beyond.  Arise!  Shine! For your Light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!

God bless you in your journey with Him,

Judy Bauman