2020 Has been a year of many tests and trials for me. I know many of you have also experienced difficult challenges that may include unfairness, abuse, or the passing of a loved one. But praise God that when the sun rises and when a New Year comes, we are reminded that He is a God of new beginnings!
You Can Choose Your Mindset for 2021
As you begin 2021, what will you choose to be your mindset?
- Will you set your mind on the fact, “You have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer you who lives, but Christ lives in you; and the life which you now live in the flesh you live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself up for you.” (Gal. 2:20, NIV)
- Will you set your mind on what you understand about the mess in this broken world, how you feel about it, and what you think you need to do to fix it?
Before you decide, think about who you are choosing to lead and guide you? Will the outcome of their guidance bring you the ability to find joy, unspeakable peace, and the fullness of Christ? Will your decision help you grow personally and spiritually? Will, your decision keep you in a self-contained façade of safety where you are self-focused, fearful, paralyzed, and full of doubts about Christ’s love and faithfulness?
The Power of Christ’s Love in the Reality of this Broken World
2020 has taught us that we can only control our mindset, attitudes, beliefs, words, and personal actions. We have also realized that some natural destructive realities of living in a broken world can affect every aspect of our lives. However, as disciples of Christ, we must know and learn how to let Jesus use the challenges we face to show us his love, teach us, and strengthen our faith.
Jesus knows firsthand the brokenness of this world, the confusion and misguidedness of humanity by power-hungry people, and how loving others can be painful and even deadly. However, Jesus decided to come from heaven and die for all of our sins so that we are made new through his sacrificial love! Jesus said. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)
We can’t change the fact that we will continually face challenges, pain, beauty, joy, and constant change in this broken world. Jesus didn’t come to earth to make it perfect as this is not our eternal heaven, thank GOD! He came to show us his promise of loving salvation and strengthen our hope and confidence that one day we will run into his arms and spend eternity in heaven with him.
However, Jesus also came to show us how we can love and serve God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength in this broken world so that others will also find the salvation of Christ. Our faith is a journey with Jesus. As we grow in a personal relationship with him and study God’s word, we will learn to love others like Christ.
“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by MY Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” (John 14:21, NIV)
Arise and Be Conquers Through Christ Jesus
To make 2021 a different year in your mind, heart, attitudes, emotions, words, and actions, lean into Jesus, study God’s word to know him deeper, and choose to love others as Jesus loves you every day. Let his loving-kindness be the first words in your mind each morning and at bedtime. Know that because nothing can separate you from the love of God, you are more than a conqueror through any challenge!
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:35, 37-39, NIV)
2021 gives you a new opportunity to live and love others like Jesus himself. “Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9, TLB)
To begin 2021 centered on Jesus Christ, your Savior, here is a song to keep you inspired.
The Living Stones Quartet, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus https://youtu.be/zTZtKoAwf0U
To grow in your understanding and relationship with Jesus, join my private Facebook group Growing Through God’s Transforming Grace, https://www.facebook.com/groups/growingthroughgod. Email me and let me know you would like to join and grow in Christ together at darlacolinet@gmail.com.
