New Year Action Plan

I have never been a big fan of New Year's resolutions. So, what I have been practicing for the last decade is preparing a prayer journal for the upcoming year. To do this, I ask God for key verses, so I know what to write in my journal. The most important words I write down are descriptions of what I desire from God. If you don't know what you are asking from God, how do you know if you got it? Blessed looks differently to all of us.

For example, a few years ago, as a teacher, I asked God that I am productive, effective, always true to God's word, creative, compassionate, assertive, bold, fierce, faithful, pure intentions, organized, and open to the Holy Spirit. In each area of my life, I write out action words that need to be implemented. Whether as a writer, speaker, wife, sister, friend, mentor, or encourager, just to name a few, I spend time with God seeking the exact words for me to proclaim throughout the coming year. Then during my quiet time, I would speak these words out loud in prayer.
Proverbs 20:11 tells us that "It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right." My prayer journal request for the year is between God and myself. I could not tell you how many times a compliment or an evaluation has the words that I am asking of God in them, which makes the words of affirmation more precious because they are confirming the change in my life.
Coming into agreement with God about the changes that need to be made in your life is vitally important. Yes, we can proclaim 2 Peter 1:5-7 over our lives, and we should. How does diligence bloom in your life versus my life? As a teacher, diligence means I have to research information and develop a method of conveying that information in a manner others can understand. Diligence as a mother means you have to understand each child's personality and their learning needs to develop them into productive adults. Yielding fruit looks different in each person's life. So today, start thinking about action words that you would like implemented in your life.
Goals are okay, but if it stays only on the paper, then it is useless. Do something different this year by asking God for a written action plan. I promise you will like the results. "For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom keeps its possessors alive," Ecclesiastes 7:12.

Photo by Isaac Smith on Unsplash

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