January 2012 Encouragement

So here we are in the final days of January 2012. This year is already passing by at breakneck speed! Time so easily gets away from us! Have your plans to start the year in a happier, healthier, more financially responsible way taken a backseat to every day demands? We all know that old habits die hard and we must really work to develop new ones. Much has been written about the benefits and difficulties of life changes, and even Paul says in Romans 7:15; ”For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” So this timely reminder is to encourage you to not despair if your start date for the things you truly wish to incorporate in this new year has been shifted around a bit.

The Lord tells us “do not despise meager beginnings”. Do you realize that reading only one book a year puts you in a category of being among the world’s most literate?

Did you resolve to lose weight? Let me encourage you to eat healthy, just for today. The person who makes healthy choices today enjoys the benefits of each choice for many days to come.

Was it your plan to read more? Let me encourage you to pick up that book today. What you learn, enjoy, and glean from its pages can never be taken from you.

Is this the year you plan to take control of your finances? It's not too late to make a heartfelt "first fruits" offering. Paul tells us in Romans 11:16 “If the firstfruits be holy, the rest of the batch is also holy.” What you give to God as His firstfruits offering of the year, whether it is a days’ pay or a months’ pay or even your first hours’ pay, secures in your heart and in fact that He is involved in your finances and will bless the increase yet to come.

Take that step, however small, and be on your way to fulfilling this years’ goals!

May God richly bless you as we continue in this New Year!
Carol Dillard,
Stewardship Ministries Director