New Year, New Rules

Today's Meditation: But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. (Romans 7:6)

As another New Year comes, our minds and hearts can become bombarded with a myriad of resolutions, declarations, promises, affirmations, goals, dreams, and timelines: all designed to create a New You in the New Year. While these things are admirable, if we are not careful in their prayerful execution, those very things we purposed to help us can end up leaving us worse off than we were before. How many of us have promised to strengthen our relationship with God by spending more quality time in prayer, reading the Word, attending worship services more regularly--only to discover that we had bound ourselves into a ritualistic pattern of "doing" spirituality instead of LIVING a spirit-filled life?

With each passing year, I believe that I die a little more. Although my symbolic "annual deaths" are not without a struggle, they do manifest various levels of freedom from bondage--whether real, imagined, or self-imposed. The ability to die to those things which once bound us comes with the realization that you are complete in Christ! Thus, no need to hold on to outward signs of so-called success if inwardly, your spirit is failing. Today, and throughout this year, let us die to:

• Undeserved Expectations of Others
• Negativity and Critical Spirits
• Unclean and Impure Thoughts
• Lack of Integrity
• Stunted Creativity
• Lack of Giving
• Unnecessary Conversation
• Unwillingness to Celebrate Success in Others
• Spiritual Arrogance
• Living Above Our Means
• Mediocrity
• Shadiness
• Over-extending and Over-obligating Ourselves

There is no sense in trying to keep God's rules, laws, and customs when our minds and hearts remain perverse, rebellious, and disobedient. Release yourself now into the New Way of the Spirit! What is it? Allowing the Holy Spirit to take your eyes away from your own performance, recognition, and title-seeking, but seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all these things will be added unto you. Amen.
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com