New Year, New Word

Selecting a word or phrase rather than involved resolutions is easier for my little blonde brain and helps inform decisions, therefore actions, all year-long. In 2014 I chose to ‘be intentional’ and 2015 was about ‘balance’ based on Luke 10:27.

I’ve tussled with my 2016 focus, hence the late date of this devotional topic, but it looks like ‘do good’ wins out over ‘caring’ and ‘priority,’ although all three carry merit. ‘Doing good’ sounds admirable and honorable, but what does that look like in real life?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10.

If you and I are actually ‘created for good works’ then I want to ‘walk in them,’ but what does that look like? To make my actions manageable and measurable I cut the concept into three parts – do something good for God, for another, and for self – each day. I added ‘self’ because in dealing with health challenges, I’m often the one reeling from bone-draining fatigue and mind-numbing pain at the end of the day. No matter what any of us face, if the mental, emotional, and physical tank runs empty there’s nothing left to give.

So this is how my ‘do good’ is spreading out so far. For God – I choose to read through the Bible once again, not that I retain as much as I want, but I read for knowledge, for instruction, and for spiritual discipline. I choose to worship with a fellowship of believers, connect through prayer regularly, maintain a grateful heart, and I keep in mind – “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus . . .” Colossians 3:17a.

For another – I choose the singular because it’s easier to focus my daily ‘do good’ toward individuals rather than mass humanity. So I look to encourage. I make that phone call, send a note, or email and text now rather than later or never. I send up prayers. I say ‘yes’ to helping. I work on active listening and I forgive.

For self – I choose more veggies and less carbs, 10,000 steps a day, to stuff my mind with excellence, and to manage time and energy output for growing good, not bad.

What about you? Your specifics might differ, but will you walk in what God created you for in 2016?

“Dear Lord, help me submit to your hand of creative workmanship and serve you and others with good. Thank you, Amen.”

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary,” Galatians 6:9.

Blessings of godly focus! Prayer requests? As always, absolutely confidential!

Working on God’s Works Every Day, PJ    COPYRIGHT ©2016 PJ Gover

PJ.Gover@yahoo.com http://www.PJGover.com