Three Life Transforming New Year Practices

Three Life Transforming New Year Practices

Three life transforming New Year practices. These simple practices do not work immediately. But when consistently engaged, the spiritual transformation is unmistakeable. I’ve seen and personally experienced it. And so will you if you practice them this year.

Three life transforming New Year practices. Read through the Bible.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (ESV, Psalm 119:11)

The Bible is a complete narrative. The big picture that reveals who God is, explains what is wrong with the world and his solution. It describes the many facets of God’s incomprehensible nature and yet, his reliable faithfulness to those who seek him. And how to live a life that honors him.

An internet search provides a wide variety of reading plans. Organized differently by chronology, themes, and book genre. I followed one that alternated between Old and New Testament and included a grid of all the passages I checked off to track my progress.

As God’s word fills your heart and mind, you will gain an entirely new perspective on life. One filled with hope.

Three life transforming New Year practices. Attend a church that worships God and teaches the Bible as absolute truth

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV, 2 Timothy 3:16)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV, Hebrews 4:12)

Absolute truth is the solid foundation that your beliefs and convictions confidently rest on. An anchor that secures you from drifting aimlessly on the waves of public opinion. And worship points you to the ultimate source of truth. An Almighty God that loves you and desires a relationship with you.

As you worship God and learn his word, his Spirit guides you on a path that leads you into his will and plan for your life. One with meaning, purpose, and direction. And an eternal perspective that helps you make sense of a confusing world.

Three life transforming New Year practices. Hang out with people that wholeheartedly follow Jesus

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:33)

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (ESV, Ecclesiastes 4:12)

We are made to live in community. Ideas of “doing it my way” or individual autonomy as a “rock and island” are myths. We all need other people for encouragement, accountability, and support. And the friends you choose will influence you for either good or bad. And in the same way, you will impact others.

Therefore, those who follow Jesus will find that loving, supportive environment in a church community. But it may take personal initiative on your part. In other words, an effort to meet and make friends with the people that attend your church.

And when you walk together as Christ-followers, you are relationally more than friends. But spiritually unified as an eternal family of brothers and sisters in Christ.

A spiritual adversary will work to divert you from these practices. But press on and a remarkable transformation will take place in your life.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??

Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.

Life Questions We Ponder

Life Questions We Ponder

Life questions we ponder. A night sky full of countless stars makes us wonder. Is there a God? If so, why is the world so messed up? What is the meaning of life? Is there life after death? Questions without answers. Or are there?

Life questions we ponder. Is there a God?

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. (ESV, Romans 1:19-30)

Does God exist? Yes or no are the two options. Creationists say God spoke the universe into existence and the complexity and intricacies of it scream intelligent design. Darwinists claim it was a chance event followed by billions of years of evolution, Neither side has absolute proof. Therefore, we all decide based on faith.

But that’s okay for Christ-followers. Because Jesus both expects and encourages us to exercise faith.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. (ESV, 1 John 5:13)

Still, Christian faith is more than wishful thinking. Because it’s based on God’s word which includes hundreds of fulfilled prophecies. And it instills confidence the rest of scripture is also true along with the prophecies, yet to be fulfilled.

The Bible is God’s written word. And it reveals who He is, the problem with our world, the solution, and His plan for the future. The Bible is more than just God’s law. It is His guidebook for life.

Life questions we ponder. If God is in charge, why is the world so messed up?

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (ESV, Colossians 1:16-17)

God holds it together

If the universe is simply a cosmic, accidental assembly, what stops it from coming apart? Like a rip in the fabric of time. A glitch in gravity? Puncture in the atmosphere?

Scripture says it’s because God actively holds together. We don’t control climate change. God does. Furthermore, there are invisible aspects to creation beyond our human perception. And everything–both visible and invisible–is under God’s dominion.

God is working out a plan

Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:9-10)

It is the sin of mankind that causes chaos. Billions of humans exercising selfish desires in a huge swell of sin that inflicts pain, conflict, disease, and disaster. But God offers a solution. And orchestrates an ultimate plan behind the scenes and beyond our understanding. In other words, God is sovereign and guiding us towards an eternal conclusion.

Life questions we ponder. What is the meaning of life?

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (ESV, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

King Solomon was the wisest person who ever live. And he searched for ultimate meaning by pursuing every pleasure and pursuit life on earth offered. What he described as life “under the sun.”

And his simple conclusion? A life without God is a vain effort and without meaning. Because God is the source of meaning and without Him you have nothing. Therefore, follow God’s commands and live a life pleasing to Him. For that will guide you into your next life.

Life questions we ponder. What happens when you die?

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except by me.

Jesus spoke often about eternal life with two destinations: heaven and hell. Heaven is the preferred destination. However, contrary to a popular belief, you don’t earn your way by good behavior. But through faith in Jesus Christ who died as a sacrifice for our sins.

Because we all are sinners and sin disqualifies us from gaining entrance to heaven. However, Jesus died as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, we enter heaven by confessing our sins to him and asking for his forgiveness.

So when you die, the question is not did your good deeds outweigh the bad ones. But did you express faith in and follow Jesus?

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??

Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.

Three Bible Precepts For Life Success

Three Bible Precepts For Life Success

Three Bible Precepts for life success. The Bible speaks a lot on the meaning and path to life success. Here are three precepts it teaches. Oddly, I did not come by them through deep scriptural study although they are clearly taught in the Bible.

But from a remark my orthopedic surgeon made during an office visit as we planned for my upcoming total knee replacement surgery.

He said there are three parts to a successful surgery. My part, your part and God’s part, I apply my surgical skills, you do the rehabilitative work, and God provides the healing. Here’s how it applies to all aspects of life.

Three Bible Precepts For Life Success. You have to do the work

In physical rehab, no pain, no gain is a reality. As someone that’s undergone multiple knee surgeries and both shoulders I know this personally. You have to push through painful physical therapy to insure full range of motion and regain strength. Otherwise, you may still get better, but likely end up with physical limitations.

Successful athletes, entrepreneurs, and top leaders will agree. Professional success takes personal initiative, accepts personal responsibility and does the work. Period. No excuses. Looking for others to blame. Demanding exceptions. But pursuing the idea that persistence pays. And then facing adversity, finding workable solutions, and pushing forward.

It’s a battle against our sin nature

It’s natural to seek the easy path. Gravitate towards security, comfort, and pleasure. Find the quick and convenient. Because this is part of our human sin nature. Work ethic, however, is learned. It pushes past immediate gratification and perseveres for a greater reward.

And this same challenge is presented to Christ-followers too. Although we are saved by faith and don’t work FOR salvation, we are told by Paul to work OUT our salvation. In other words, to actively pursue a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Live a life of obedience to God’s word. Labor for the Kingdom of God and produce fruit.

 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;  therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (ESV, Matthew 9:37-38)

Three Bible Precepts For Life Success. You have to rely on others

I needed a skilled orthopedic doctor for knee replacement surgery. And I was totally dependent on my wife who worked full time, took over all my regular home tasks and still managed to care for me physically during the first two weeks following surgery.

The point is, every success story includes the contributions of other people. Parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors who support you along the way. Along with co-workers whose strengths balance your weaknesses in building successful organizations.

For Christ-followers, this community of “others” is the church. It is where we find encouragement, support, and accountability. But it takes more than once a week worship attendance. And requires intentionally building relationships through church related groups, activities, and ministries. Where you both give and receive.

Three Bible Precepts For Life Success. You have to recognize God is sovereign

Although knee replacement surgeries are fairly routine, nothing can be taken for granted. Blood clots, infections, and other complications are beyond human control. Ultimately, God provides healing. And so I believe, exercise faith, and pray for God’s sovereign will to do so.

Because scripture teaches that God is faithful and trustworthy. His word is true. And in His sovereignty, He fully commands and directs this world towards a conclusion.

To me, life without this assurance of God is unbounded, lacks moral consistency, and meaningful purpose. With no sense of life beyond this life then what’s the point of success anyway?

Furthermore, a sovereign God provides the one thing you can’t get anywhere else. And with it a perspective that sees beyond every success and failure in life. An eternal hope.

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.

Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group?

Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.

Restart A Purpose Filled Life With These Five Crucial Connections

Restart A Purpose Filled Life With These Five Crucial Connections

Restart a purpose filled life in 2022 by making crucial connections. Especially if you’re reflecting on life decisions and making resolutions for the New Year. Here are five connections for you to consider.

Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To Your Physical Health

Of course you expected this one. Because your physical health affects so many areas of well-being. Your strength, energy and activity level. Positive outlook. Self-concept. And more. But it requires perseverance. Self-discipline. A bit of stubbornness.

Need some inspiration? Here are two real life examples I observe regularly at my workout facility.

An 80+ year old man that hobbles in on crutches every day. Climbs on a stationary bike and rides. Then hobbles out when he’s finished. He never complains. And always smiles and gives me a friendly greeting.

An engaged couple. The woman’s legs severely injured in an auto accident. The man brings her in a wheel chair early in the morning several times a week to the indoor pool. Where she can stand in the water and they exercise together in the shallow end.

The point is you don’t have to run marathons or lift massive weights to benefit from exercise. Do what you can. Something. No matter how small it seems. It makes a difference.

Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To Your Mind

Your mind is a mental muscle. A cognitive, conundrum solver. Reasoning reservoir. And designed for regular use. So engage in thought practices that go for walks around the intellectual block.

Because your brain is the most awesome computer ever created. Pliable and dynamic. A renewable resource with amazing, conceptual capacity and restoration power.

So read books. Listen to podcasts. Solve puzzles. Engage in creative enterprise.

In other words, think regularly.

Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To God

You are created by God for a relationship with God. It’s your original design. Your ultimate purpose. And you will never fully realize it outside of God. So if God is non-existent in your life, or has taken a back seat, it’s the most critical connection you can make.

Fortunately, God always welcomes you back.

The connection process is the same as in other relationships. Admit you were wrong. Ask forgiveness. And proactively invest time in renewing the relationship.

Here’s a simple suggestion: Spend 15 minutes a day reading through the Gospel of John. Ask God to speak to you. Write your thoughts down in a notebook. Then speak to Him.

You see? It’s not that complicated.

And you’ll be amazed how this time spent with God centers you. Calms you. And changes your perspective on life.

Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To God’s People

Mass isolation during the pandemic taught us an important lesson. We are not designed for isolation, but for community.

Sure. Some are introverts and others extroverts. But none of us do well alone for extended periods of time.

Online church served a purpose. And so did connecting through Social media, Facetime and Zoom. But none of them take the place of live, face-to-face, interpersonal relationships.

So find togetherness in community. In neighborhoods, clubs, social and civic organizations. And my absolute favorite. The church.

It’s the Bride of Christ. God’s chosen community for His called out ones. A place of belonging, encouragement, support and accountability.

Reconnecting with God and living a godly life is best accomplished among others who share that desire. So if you are not involved in a church, I highly recommend it.

Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To Serving Others

The universe is vast. Perhaps infinite. And you are not the center of it. So a purposed filled life connects to a greater purpose. And looks beyond itself by considering and addressing the needs of others. Which is why Jesus commands us to love others as we love ourselves.

Because a self-absorbed life will miss the big picture. And always struggle to find purpose and meaning.

By serving others you experience real humility. The joy of contributing to human flourishing. And are better able to see and appreciate your own blessings.

These connections are not difficult. But do require honest introspection, persistence, and resolve. But then, isn’t that what a resolution is all about?

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??

Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.

The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance

The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance

There is life renewing power in Biblical repentance. No matter what you’ve done. Haven’t done. How good or bad you are. Or think you are. Biblical repentance starts a whole new life.

Wow! Why then doesn’t everyone repent? Maybe because Biblical repentance is misunderstood. So let’s look at what Biblical repentance is and the life renewing opportunity it presents.

The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance Begins With A Decision

There’s a popular sterotype of red-faced preachers, worked up in an angry frenzy, pounding on pulpits and demanding congregants to repent from sin. It’s an image that promotes condemnation and fear. And often turns people away from the Christian faith.

While Jesus never condemned people for their sin, he clearly called them to repent. And his message holds true today. So what did he mean?

The Greek word for repent that Jesus used is Metanoeo, which means to change one’s mind. But even more, it’s a change in direction. A spiritual U-turn that turns away from sin and turns to God.

You may experience emotions when you repent. The Apostle Paul discusses a Godly sorrow that leads to repentance. But emotion is not a requirement.

What IS required is to engage your will. For you to willingly profess and actively follow Jesus Christ.

The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance Involves A Life Long Practice

Also, repentance is not one and done. Yes, there is an initial change of mind. A decision to turn from sin and turn to God. Declare your willingness to follow Jesus as the Son of God. And in that moment you are spiritually renewed and transformed from the inside out.

This starts your new journey of faith. Where God’s Spirit lives in you.

But you’re not done. You will have to repent on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Because your past doesn’t simply dissolve. There are experiences, pain, emotions and scars that remain. And perhaps consequences of behavior.

Yes, you are new and transformed. But old patterns of behaviors and habits will present themselves. Along with the temptations of a real, spiritual enemy who wants you to fail. And while God’s Spirit now resides in you, so does your sin nature. So you won’t win every battle over sin.

But you will experience ultimate victory. Because God’s forgiveness and mercy are overflowing. So repenting on a regular basis becomes an important practice in ongoing spiritual renewal.

The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance Is A Spiritual Partnership

The Prodigal Son Bible parable pictures God as a loving father who desires a relationship with you. Who waits eagerly for your homecoming, rushes to meet you and celebrates your return.

It confirms that repentance is not just one way event. But the start of a dynamic relationship. Where God is an active agent. Who calls you to repent. Might even be calling you now. Are you listening?

And beyond repentance, God’s Spirit empowers you. Intercedes on your behalf. And guides you on a spiritual journey of discovering and following His will.

There will still be hardships, challenges and setbacks. Jesus warned that discipleship has costs. But at the same time, it’s a forward moving journey. One with a promise and a prize.

And totally worth it.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.

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