AN INVITATION
A new year is just around the corner. Many people will spend the coming days thinking about all their hopes and dreams for the year ahead. I’ve learned over the years that things do not change because of the year on the calendar. Things change with intentionality.
As I reflect on the year behind us and look to the year in front of us, I am convinced that intentional steps make a significant impact.
INTENTIONAL STEPS MAKE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
This past year, I implemented a number of practices that have moved the needle in key areas of my life. It wasn’t always easy or simple, but it was worth it. From adjustments with my social media to daily “pre-decisions”, I can confidently say that things look different today than they did a year ago. For many people, this time of year leads to hoping things will be different next year. But there is a tough but true reality:
HOPE ISN’T A STRATEGY.
As a Jesus follower, I believe in HOPE. I live by HOPE. And because of who Christ is, I am never without HOPE.
But if I desire to see transformation in my life, I must face the fact that I must participate. I can hope for my health, my finances, and my spiritual life to look different next year…but how does that hope translate to transformation? I have a part to play.
So, in your life, what do you want to see transformed?
This New Year I will begin a few intentional practices that I want to invite you in on.
Consider this an invitation from me to you.
This invitation has to do with four key areas in all of our lives. Areas where, though we may have hope, we also have a part to play in seeing the transformation.
The four areas:
Our Spiritual Health
Our Financial Health
Our Physical Health
Our Relational Health
Here are the invitations:
Our Spiritual Health
There are three things I want to challenge you to do.
Commit to a bible reading plan — and stick with it.
I’d love for you to join me in The Bible Recap Bible reading plan. This past year, I committed every day to do this, and it was significant. I also invited a group of brothers to join me in the journey (reading scripture in a community is transformational). You can follow along in the Bible App — just search “The Bible Recap”. Be sure to listen to the daily podcast that accompanies it. You can find out more at The Bible Recap website.
Join me in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
Every January I set aside the first 21 Days to focus on prayer, and engage in the ancient spiritual practice of fasting. You can find out more information at lifecenter.com. Our team has put together resources, as well as a number of prayer nights to come together in prayer. You can find resources on the Life Center App.
Commit to church community
If you’re a follower of Jesus, it is vital to engage in church community. You have a gift that the Body of Christ needs, and it needs to be expressed in community with other Jesus followers. Commit to consistent church engagement. Commit to being a part of an intentional disciple-making environment. Commit to helping disciple someone else (nothing will help bring your faith to life and grow spiritually than disciplining someone).
Our Financial Health
I want to invite each of us to consider what it looks like to live simply, intentionally, and generously. These will be a focus for me in the year ahead in the area of financial health, and I invite you to join me.
Where do you need to simplify?
Where do you need to be more intentional?
Where do you need to practice greater generosity?
Our Physical Health
What are the things that need to adjust in your physical health in the year ahead? Are you only hoping for change, or are you willing to be a part? Maybe you need to commit to better sleep habits, eating habits, exercise habits…the list goes on. Remember, your physical health impacts everything, including your spiritual health. So make a plan, share your plan with others (accountability), and DO IT.
Our Relational Health
What do you want to be able to say about your relationships a year from now? Your marriage, your children, your co-workers, your neighbors, etc. Relationships get better with focus, commitment, and intentionality. Keep dating your spouse. Offer your children your complete attention (yes…turn off your phone). Invest in others, and be a giver in the area of your relationships.
I hope that you will join me in my invitation to make the year ahead a transformational one by being intentional.
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:
In the comments below, add what Intentional things you will do this year!
