The Year Of Change

Tomorrow is a new year and it is a time when many will be reflecting on what they accomplished or didn't accomplish this past year.  One thing is for certain, if we could do it all over we probably would do it a little bit differently.  But the past is the past.  We can't change it.  Like Paul said to the Philippians "This one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on..." (Philippians 3:13-14a).  So the question is; What is it that you need to forget from the past and what new challenges do you anticipate for the new year? What I want to do with this post is to challenge each of you to examine your life and see what changes need to be made in your life in order for you to be and accomplish what God has so ordained for you in this new year.

1.  You Can Change

One reason people don't change is because they are afraid they can't change.  But if you want things to be different in 2014, then you have to make some changes and you have to know that you can change.  Change isn't always easy, but it is possible.  If you want to change, then you have to begin with changing your thinking (Romans 12:2).  Your thinking needs to align with the Word of God.  As you submit your life to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, He will help you to make the necessary changes.  These changes begin on the inside and move to the outside.  Remember, it is not your responsibility to change others.  Focus on you changing you and allow God to deal with others.

2.  You Must Have A Desire To Change

Change will always begin with a desire to change.  This is whether it is a good change or a bad change.  Not even God can help you until you desire to change.  If you are unhappy with your life and the results you are getting, then you probably need to make some changes in your life.

3.  Don't Resist Godly Change

God wants you to go from one level of glory to the next and change will make that possible (2 Corinthians 3:18).  When God changes you, you will begin to reflect His image in your life.  It is important that you have a personal relationship with God so He can affect the change.

4.  Why People Won't Change

There are basically three reasons why people wont change:

• Fear that they can't change.  If you are fearful, then change won't happen, because you won't initiate the process.  You have to know you have the ability with God's help to make changes in your life (2 Timothy 1:7).
• They see change as an admission of weakness.  People don't want to admit their weaknesses, so they deceive themselves into thinking they don't need to change.  It takes a strong person to look at themselves and admit they need to change.
• Too lazy to change.  Proverbs 26:13 tells us a lazy man will make excuses.  Change requires effort and lazy people won't make the effort.  Don't live a life of mediocrity because you are too lazy to change.

5.  You Have The Power To Change

Too often, we are like Moses and we make excuses as to why we can't do something even though God is telling us we can.  We have feelings of inadequacy or perhaps we think we are unqualified and too weak or it could be a case of low self-esteem.  It's time to eliminate our excuses and make a decision to change with God's help.

6.  What Brings Change

There are four actions necessary in order to change to take effect:

• Changing your thinking -- begin with changing how you think about yourself, your circumstances and the power of your God.  The 2013 "Verse of the Year" is Philippians 4:13.  This verse was shared, highlighted and bookmarked in the YouVersion Bible app more than any other verse and it states "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
• Changing your commitment -- Resolve in your spirit that 2014 will be different.  Make the commitment today to do what is necessary to see positive results in 12 months.
• Changing your priorities -- From time to time we must evaluate our priorities and make the necessary changes to put the important values first.
• Changing where you are spiritually -- This change begins with seeking a deeper and richer relationship with Jesus Christ.  Don't seek the "spiritual" seek the One who gives the Spirit! When you do that, the spiritual will naturally follow.

You are not stuck where you are, you have been given the power to change and this change begins with a desire to change.  It is a process, not a one time event.  Begin to implement change on a daily basis in order to see results.  The Holy Spirit will help you change, but you must do your part.

What changes will you make in 2014?

-- Pastor Temple