Reflection leads to Focused Action

Happy new year dear friends! 2014 is here to stay! I don't know about you but it's been non-stop for our family already. In the midst of the busyness of this season I am reminded of the freshness that I get to enjoy in life right now. I believe now it's a time for reflection that will lead to focused action. I ran into an interesting article this morning (thanks Facebook friends!) that further helped me to reflect in the direction of this new year of life. I don't feel the need to focus totally on my image this year but to focus on what the Bible calls the "inner man" or "the hidden person of the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Peter 3:3-4). Here are a few questions I am considering. To be honest, some of my first reactions to them is "ouch!" Check this out:

• "What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year? 

•  For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year? 

• What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year? 

• What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in 10 years? In eternity? 

• What area of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area? 

• What habit would you most like to establish this year? 

• Who do you most want to encourage this year? 

• What's one new way you could be a blessing to your pastor (or to another who ministers to you) this year? 

• What's one thing you could do this year to enrich the spiritual legacy you will leave to your children and grandchildren? 

• What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year? 

• What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year? 

• What's the most important trip you want to take this year? What skill do you most want to learn or improve this year? 

• What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year, and what will you do about it? 

• If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it? 

What's the most important new item you want to buy this year? In what area of your life do you most need change, and what will you do about it this year? 

The value of many of these questions is not in their profundity, but in the simple fact that they bring an issue or commitment into focus." Read more of Consider your ways in the New Year.

Aren't these questions intriguing? Friends, it's easy to let a scale dictate your goals or to write a bucket list full of fun stuff. The real challenge starts when we tell the hidden person of the heart (who is not subject to a physical cleanse, diet or exercise program) you are going to change with God's help. That's exactly where I am in this second day of this year of the Lord, 2014. I am telling my inner woman, buckle up because I am committed to actually do what God wants me to do, which is to become more and more like the Lord Jesus.

QUESTION • Which one of this questions speaks louder to where you are in your journey and why?