- Spend time asking Him what He would like for you to change or accomplish in 2013. Actually be open to being challenged to do something you would never have dreamt..
- Use Post-it Notes and a Wall to keep up with all the things Jesus teaches you in 2013. Visual reminders are powerful!
- Commit to 1 Family Dinner at Home per Week. Use that meal time intentionally to talk about your struggles and how Jesus can help the members of your family through them.
- Go to Bed 30 minutes earlier so that you can get up 15 minutes earlier. With that system you get 15 minutes of extra sleep and some intentional time with Jesus! Looking for a devotional to start? I recommend My Utmost for his Highest by Oswald Chambers.
- Instead of giving your Money to every cause that comes along, choose 1 or 2 and invest both your Time and Money. When you impact one person or organization in this way, you really start to honor Jesus and show people the impact He can make!
- Increase your giving to the church by 1%. Small faith does big things and choosing to express a little more faith could bring huge blessings.
- Find a spot to slow down. Not vacation slow down, relational time slow down. Our homes are often too crazy and vacations are often filled with agendas. Find a spot that allows you to slow down and spend time with God. Maybe its a park, a restaurant mid-afternoon, or a country drive; wherever it is, expect God to show up!
- Seek out Real Accountability. The group can't be too big; 3-5 is best. It also needs to be a group that is honest and hungry to grow. Share life and pray. See how Jesus responds.
- Start Your Day with Prayer. Not the "O, Lord, I'm overwhelmed, just get me through the day" prayer, but rather a few minutes reflecting on the people and opportunities you will encounter and a few simple requests for guidance and the Spirit's presence.
- Fast from 1 Food item for the year. You do this not to get fit or to make a statement, but rather to be reminded of Jesus. If you fast from pop, every time you are presented with the opportunity to drink it, you have the chance to think about Jesus. Good stuff..
- Have a Yard Sale. Our material things shield us from making Jesus a priority. Have a yard sale (or a giveaway, or a Goodwill donation, or a bonfire...) and reduce your stuff! Fun to start seeing that Jesus really is all you need.
- Get involved in Mentoring Relationships. If you're a parent, start with your kids. It's also humbling and good to seek out a mentor for yourself. If your 16 or 66, there's someone that you can be learning from; and sitting under someone's teaching trains us to be open to the teaching that Jesus needs to do in our lives.
- Digest Scripture instead of Reading it. I'm bracing myself for the onslaught of read the Bible in a year plans that are sure to come flying our way! If you have 5 minutes, it's often more beneficial to read 10 verses and consider their meaning and application in your life than it is to knock out 2 chapters of reading. Digesting Scripture takes the focus off of personal accomplishment and shifts it to being changed by Jesus!
Taking Root,
Blake
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