Becoming a Better You in 2024

 Wow, it's 2024! 

The beginning of a strong year begins with you today, January 11, 2024, as we continue walking by faith this second week of the year. Today's thoughts stem from what we will do to accomplish more in 2024. 

The question many say is that they accomplished a lot in 2023, too, so what else is there to do? 

One question I ask you is, are you taking the prompts from God in ways to develop a more profound and meaningful relationship with Him and others? Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 

In other words, when life's challenges presented their truth in 2023, could you represent God's truth without blinking an eye? Many of you already know that challenges are a part of life. 

Rest assured, God says in Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

Challenges have one goal: not to break us but to improve us. 

Philippians 4:13 strengthens us with these words: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Simply put, 2023 was a year that prepared you for the challenges you will face in 2024. 

A new year doesn't eliminate challenges faced in life but helps us remember that God is there too when they come.

Below are some practical and applicable ways to become a better you in 2024:

1. Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." This verse encourages us to keep doing good deeds even when it seems like we are not getting any reward for it.
2. Proverbs 4:23: "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." This verse reminds us to guard our hearts and be careful about what we let in.
3. Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" This verse encourages us to be still and trust in God's plan.
4. Genesis 50:20: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This verse reminds us that God can use even the bad things that happen to us for good.
5. Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This verse gives us hope for a better future.
6. Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse reminds us that God is always working for our good.
7. Colossians 1:9: "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives." This verse encourages us to pray for others and ask God to give them wisdom and understanding.
8. Ecclesiastes 3:1: "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens." This verse reminds us that there is a time for everything and that we should trust God's timing (biblestudytools.com).

To get through life's challenges requires the undivided attention to the yes and no in our lives. I hope these verses help you to become a better person in 2024. Remember to always trust in God and seek His guidance. 

A New Year of Possibilities, 2024

Minister Sylvia Joyner