I’ve made them; oh yes I have. I’ve broke them; oh you better believe it!
And yet… He loves me. He loves me. He loves me just the same.
The truth is, I fail all the time. I start off the day with good intentions…
I’m going to read your word Lord!
I’m going to talk soft and kind to my kids Lord!
I’m going to submit to my husband Lord!
I’m going to eat salad and fruit and veggies and stay far away from those cookies and chips!
I’m going to do something kind for someone else.
I’m going to speak words of praise, instead of grumbling and complaining.
Most days, I’ve failed before the clock strikes 9am!
Why am I such a failure Lord? Why can’t I keep my commitments? Why can’t I please you in every area of my life? Why do I constantly fall short of my checklist of what I need to accomplish?
His response? Because you are not Me. I made you to glorify and proclaim my Name, not be Me. I know you will fail, but I still Love you. My grace is sufficient for each trial, each testing, each failure and each triumph.
You are meant to worship me in it all, my child! I created you to glorify and proclaim my name unto the generations. I made you to shine me, not you. I made you to rise up and be triumphant over sin, but only in my name.
So, dear reader, as you reflect on the past year, 2010… was it a good one? I’m sure it had its share of joys and deep heartache too!
Does God appreciate our resolutions? I don’t think so. Does God appreciate daily dying to self and submitting our control over to Him? Oh yes He does!
Daily.
Hourly.
Minute by minute.
Worshiping and glorifying His name.
Especially in the trials and hurts of life. He wants us to:
SEEK HIM FIRST.
FOR HIM TO BE OUR ALL IN ALL.
FOR US TO BE OBEDIENT EVEN WHEN WE DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY.
That’s the hardest, isn’t it? Trusting and waiting, when we don’t see the big picture.
We don’t know what 2011 holds for us, but we do know one thing… if we walk close to our Savior, He will never, ever let us down!
Set aside YOUR CHECKLIST for the new year… and ask Him to write it on your heart!
Happy New Year friends! You mean so much to me. Let us continue to provoke one another unto good works that please His Holy name. He deserves our everything, not our leftovers.
Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first, the kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.” 2 Corinthians 4 7-11
Thanks for visiting!
Sonya Schroeder says
Great way to say it Traci!! You took the words right out of my mouth. This is exactly what I am doing for 2011. 2010 brought great teaching of surrendering to God and I know I will get alot done in 2011!! Thanks for the great reminders!! Happy New Year!!!
Sonya Schroeder says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mrs. Stam says
Beautiful!!! I too fail so many time! Thanks for the encouraging words today!
Have a blessed new year
Kathy C. says
Beautifully said Traci! 🙂 Happy New Year! I quit making resolutions about 15 years ago, lol (showing my age??? LOL)… God wants all of us, all the time, each day surrendering. You stated it perfectly. 🙂
Blessings!
Kathy C.
Tracy: says
What a great reminder! Thanks for this post! Just went over my “goals” for 2011! ABIDE is my word for this next year! MORE OF HIM! Blessings!
Angeljenuk says
Love this! I have made my resolutions this year already. I have made them other years and not achieved them but this year is different and special because this year I am not alone as God is with me.
There is so much potential in the new year! I am excited already!
Maid4Him says
I appreciate your heart Tracy. Resolutions are self-based, surrender is God-based.
Michelle says
He wants us to die to ourselves-daily, hourly and minute by minute-so much more important than resolutions!
Beautiful post as always, Traci!
Again, i wish you a Happy New Year!
Kelly L says
Great post..
Love to you in 2011
Kelly
I’ve Become My Mother
Kela says
I’ve made no such lists my friend. I haven’t made a resolution in ages. It’s a day to day walk for me that does wonders.
As I look back, I see that there was some growth and pruning in 2010. I’m thankful for it all.
Lets see what greatness will happen in 2011, shall we?!
Prosperous New Year!
He & Me + 3 says
So encouraging & Beautifully written my friend. Happy New year!
Hugs,
Mimi
Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet says
So true! It is only when we let God control our lives are we able to do things that we can’t do on our own.
BARBIE says
This is a beautiful post. I have made resolutions in the past, only to fail meeting them most of the times. I so appreciate your words today!
Emily says
This is such a beautifully written post, Traci! I am linking it to my blog because I want others to see what you’ve written! It’s an amazing message and perfect for today! God bless you in the year ahead!
The Better Baker says
Thanks Traci for this beautiful post and reminder for us to stay God-focused…every day of the year. Happy New Year to you and yours! Love U Girl!
Donnetta says
I’ve never been much of a “resolution” type person. I appreciate your perspective so much more… daily surrender, even down to the very moment by moment. AMEN!
Seems we both have a bit of a potter theme on our mind. Being molded to honor and bring glory to Him alone!
This was an excellent encouragement and reminder as a new year begins. Thanks!
Kim-A Creative Spirit says
Thanks for the reminder to surrender all to Him.