The Monday Morning Brew: February 1, 2021

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First off, who doesn’t feel like it’s already February?

Just me? Oh, okay.

Well, we’ve made it through one month of 2021. I think we are doing pretty solid for the most part. It’s rained a lot lately, but other than that, let’s keep plugging along.

This week, I want to encourage you with a few points.

This is about the time when many New Year Resolutions begin to taper off. February is cold for most of us and just 4 straight weeks of workflow. It’s easy to back off of our commitments we made to changing something for the New Year. Weight loss journeys begin to slow. Positivity goes out the window. Bible reading plans begin to dissipate. Let me encourage any of you hitting that New Year Resolution slump.

3 Things

1. It’s not up to you to keep going… and isn’t that a relief?

If your goal was to read 37 books this year, well, then that actually is your responsibility. But many of you chose a new Bible reading plan or tried to devise a new strategy for your prayer life this year. Don’t get discouraged by a missed day or a forgotten prayer time. Should it be repetitive? Of course not. But does God value faithfulness and determination over apathy? Absolutely.

Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24

2. Focus on the main metric of your goal— feel free to fudge the time table.

Many people— myself included— have attempted the esteemed “Bible in a year” reading plan. Most people get absolutely stuck somewhere around Leviticus. If you can power through, many will get stuck again somewhere else. Then, instead of getting those 5 chapters in for the day, it turns to one shallow reading of one partial chapter. The whole Bible being read in a year is awesome, but focus more on the “whole Bible” part than the “in a year” part. Abide in the word (John 8:31-32). Time is of no matter— Christ is Lord over that, too.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:7-11

3. Rejoice! For you have lived to see February 2021.

Regardless of COVID or elections or anything, the chance to breathe and rest in God is an utter blessing. Don’t fall victim to the lies of Satan that you’re worthless. You are absolutely not. You are priceless, for you were made in the very image of the Creator. No matter the year, month, day, season, anything: you are God’s, and He loves you. That should warm your should to no end.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14

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