On your mark… get set… go!
Well, 2011 is here, whether we’re ready or not. I don’t do new years’ resolutions, and I don’t set goals. Resolutions are too easy to break, and important goals usually don’t depend on me, but on God. So, instead, I let God do whatever he wants to do in my life.
However, I can look back over the last few weeks, months, and even years, and I can see how God has been working in my life. Plus, I can sense certain desires and convictions that I think are from God. If these all work together – that is, if I don’t get in God’s way – then I can see a certain direction in my life.
For example, for the last couple of months, I’ve been working on eating more healthy. I realize that much of my unhealthy eating patters are associated with contentment. In 2010, I was not content with several things, including my job situation. I’m learning contentment in several areas, and this is leading to contentment when it comes to food. I want that to continue in the new year.
I’ve been learning what it means to follow Jesus, and I’ve found that it often has little to do with what I’ve been taught it means to be a “good Christian.” It’s often very clear where Jesus is going and what Jesus is doing. Following him, though, is not usually easy. It always means giving up something that’s precious to me. I want to follow him even more in 2011.
I’m continuing what it means that the church is the people of God, and not just a particular people – an exclusive group – but any brothers or sisters that God brings into my life. I want to be ready to and willing to build up any believers that I’m with. Many times, this means that I also need to keep learning to listen. I have a tendency to talk to others instead of listen to others. I hope God continues to work in my life in this area in 2011.
I’ve been recognized as a leader among the church. But, I’m not sure I’m recognized for the right reasons. I think sometimes I’m recognized because of my knowledge or education. Instead, I want to lead people to serve others. Service is the mark of leadership to God. I want to be known more as a servant in 2011.
So, those are some of the areas in my life where God is working. What’s going to happen in 2011? I don’t know. God hasn’t given me a vision into the future. I do, however, have a clearer view of what God expects from all of his children, and I hope my life looks more like that in 2011. I’m willing to take up my cross (sometimes) and follow him. Just being honest…
What about you? What do you think God is doing in your life now that will carry over into 2011?
God has been teaching me to live in his presence through my day-to-day, to be listening and open to his leading. I am also learning to be open to my brothers and sisters and keep the masks off. I think God will continue those things this year.
Like you, I don’t make resolutions or set goals. I never keep resolutions :), and God seems to enjoy changing my goals, so I try to leave those things up to him.
Fred,
Those are good lessons… hard lessons to learn (for me at least), but good lessons.
-Alan
Alan
Appreciate all the hard work with your blogging.
You write…
“I’ve been recognized as a leader among the church.”
and end with…
“I want to be known more as a servant in 2011.”
We’ve discussed “Leadership.†Oy Vey!!! 🙁
IMO – You’re going to have to tell folks yourself – over and over again –
– No – I’m NOT a “Leader.” Jesus is your “leader.†I’m a brother, a servant.
ALL “Disciples of Christ†called themselves “Servants.â€
Please call me a “Servant.†I’d rather be “A Servant of Christ.â€
Jesus is your “leader.â€
Jesus told “His Disciples” in Mat 23:10 KJV – NOT to be called ‘Master/Leader.â€
For you have “ONE†“Master/leader†the Christ.
The Interlinear Bible –
Nor be called leaders, for “ONE†is your leader the Christ.
Jesus, in John 5:41-44 said…
I receive NOT honor from men…
…How can ye believe,
which receive honour one of another,
and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
When someone recognizes you as a leader, and you accept that?
Are you “receiving honor from men?†😉
John the apostle said… Jesus must increase, ** I **must decrease…
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
When you accept mens acknowledgement as a “leader?
Is Alan increasing? Or decreasing?
Is Jesus increasing as the other persons “leader?â€
Do they turn to Jesus? Do they turn to Alan?
“Servant of Christ†good enough?
A. Amos Love,
No one calls me by the title “Leader.” Almost everyone that I know (with the exception of my children) call me “Alan.”
By the way, you said, “You’re going to have to tell folks yourself…”
I don’t have any “folks” in that sense. They’re all God’s folks.
-Alan
Alan
Amen – Much agreement – “They’re all God’s folks.†🙂
Just sometimes “God’s folks” want a king, a leader, to be like the other people.
And God gives them what they ask for… And “A Little Bit Extra.” 😉
1 Sam 8:7
And the LORD said unto Samuel,
Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee:
for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me,
that I should not reign over them.
And how did having Kings turn out for Israel? My.. My… Tsk… Tsk…
1 Sam 8:11
This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you:
He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots,
and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
Your King will take your sons.
Your King will take your daughters.
Your King will take your fields.
Your King will take your vineyards.
Your King will take your oliveyards.
Your King will take the tenth of your seed.
Your King will take your menservants.
Your King will take your maidservants
Your King will take your asses.
Your King will take the tenth of your sheep.
and you shall be the Kings servants…
1 Sam 8:19
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel;
and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us…
Kings don’t look like such a good idea now, do they?
And Jesus refused when they wanted to make Him King.
John 6:15
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force,
to make him a “king,†he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
One definition for “king†in this verse is “leader of the people.†Hmmm?
**My people** have been **lost sheep**
**their shepherds** have caused them to go astray…
Jer 50:6
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring, and they shall “hear My voice;â€
and there shall be “ONE†fold, and “ONE†shepherd.
John 10:16
One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice – One Leader – {{{{{{ Jesus }}}}}}