“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Wow, it’s 2019 already! it’s crazy to think that i’ve been blogging for over a year now. through this, i’ve learned so much about God’s love, His plan for all of us, and scripture that has strengthened my faith.

I’ve gone through hardships this year, that’s for sure. there have been weeks that i never felt like i could blog because my strength was wavering.

but this year gives me a chance to start over. a chance to create a new self, a stronger faith, and a happier life.

my new year’s resolution is to blog more and learn more about scripture. hopefully i’ll keep these goals in mind throughout the year and beyond.

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Colossians 3:1-14 gives us a perfect synopsis of what our 2019 should consist of. here’s a general translation:

if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, then you must act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

the second the new year begins, many of us set goals and ambitions in mind for the future ahead. but many times, we see these goals through for a week or two, and then forget. we can’t do this when it comes to living a new life in Christ. if we want to be new in him, we need to act like it. we can’t put our head down and tread through life with no hope. we need to keep our head up and see the love and beauty that Christ has put in our life.

Your old life is dead. Your new life is with Christ in God. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

you are not your past. you are not your mistakes. if you want a new life, you get it. that’s the cool thing about forgiveness. Christ gives you a chance to start over. and when Christ comes again, we will all have the chance to shine with him.

And that means stopping everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts you.

stop claiming that you’re a Christian if you live a life with any of the above. work to live a pure life, where your main focus is Christ.

That’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It wasn’t long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it’s all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity.

Christ was sent to save us from our sins. once we realize this salvation, we know better than to sin mindlessly. our lives no longer need to be shaped by material things. we know better than to have a bad temper, be easily irritated, or mean.

Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and thrown away. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

lying is the easiest sin, which means that it can add up quickly over time. we don’t need to lie. lying is an easy way out- a shortcut to where we think we need to go. lying should be like an old worn–out, too small, torn up T-shirt. throw it out and wear the attire that God has chosen for us.

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-14‬ ‭MSG‬‬

be compassionate, loving, kind, and disciplined wherever you go. forgive often, and remember that God forgives you. this “attire” will change your life and fill it with joy.

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happy new year! i’ll be praying for your year and that you fulfill all your new year’s resolutions.

don’t forget them, write them down somewhere that you’ll see every morning or night before you go to sleep. let them be a main focus!!

have a fantastic 2019 friends 🙂

with prayers and love,

katie