I’m not much into makin’ resolutions for the new year. It seems that every time I make a ‘New Year’s Resolution’ I end up trash talkin’ myself a few weeks later because I’ve failed, yet again, at accomplishing what I set out with the best intentions to do.
So this year I’ve made no resolutions. Haven’t even set any goals really.
I’m just living life. Living each and every day to its fullest. Running after Jesus with a passion. Striving each day to be more like Him in that very moment than I was in the last.
But I must tell you that today has been a different kind of day for me. This first day of this new year has rocked my world.
I usually get up early, begrudgingly I’ll admit, but early nonetheless. This morning, however, my eyes popped open like a kernel of corn exploding into fluffy yumminess. There was no laying there drifting back off into never, never land. It was as if Someone pulled me straight up from slumber and set my feet, literally, on the path to something new.
Nothing in me fought the urge to rise. My spirit somehow knew today was the day.
I fixed a cup of coffee, grabbed my Bible and new journal, settled under a cozy blanket on the couch and began reading. I sat for 2 hours reading and praying. My time with Jesus was sweet. Intense. Much needed for this crazy heart of mine. Even though I had to close the Word to get ready for corporate worship, He continued to speak a word over me. My personal worship continued as I dried my hair, brushed my teeth, and put on my make-up.
I couldn’t wait to get to church this morning. They’d announced a few weeks back that today, January 1, 2012, would be ‘Consecration Weekend.’ My heart was excited and welcomed with great anticipation what the Lord would do among His people on this new day. The lights in the warehouse were dimmer than usual. The mood of the music was soft and very much worshipful and introspective. The arrangement of the chairs had been rearranged in the most dramatic of ways; the sudden change was enough to make a good Southern Baptist experience for themselves a heart attack of epic proportions. We managed to find seats and settled in.
“I feel like I’m at an acoustic Shane and Shane praise and worship concert, “ I whispered to my husband.
You see, the morning was all about intimacy with the Lord. No flashy lights. No catchy, moving videos clips. No illustrations that tug at the heart strings. Only God tugging and the Spirit moving. A time of introspective examining of one’s heart. A time of making commitments to go, do, and be all that God has called one to be.
We began with FOCUSING on God. Zooming in on Him. Celebrating Him in all His magnificent glory. Moments were spent in prayers of praise and adoration to our great God. (Psalm 29:2; Psalm 103:1-2; Psalm 113:1-3)
COMING CLEAN came next. Confession and repentance of the sin in our lives is essential for a move of God in one’s life, for we can’t serve God when bogged down with those things that so easily ensnare. (Isaiah 1:10-18)
The morning ended by MAKING COMMITMENTS to do what God says do. Just saying ‘yes!’ ‘Yes!’ to whatever the instructions. ‘YES!’
As we stood to worship the Lord through a few more songs, His strong, gentle hand cradled my heart in beautiful love. My face stung as black streaks of tear drenched mascara ran down my cheeks. They were words I’ve heard before. Words I’ve spoken to myself over and over again through the years. Words this messed up heart of mine needs desperately to hear…often. But today, for whatever reason the words sung sunk down into the deep places.
“I am Yours and You are mine.”
Seven simple words. Seven words that today changed my life. Seven words that penetrated the depths of my heart. Seven words that from now until I breathe my last breath I will hold close to my heart. Seven words I believe, without a doubt. Seven beautiful words.
I am God’s. I AM God’s. I am GOD’S. But you know what’s even better than that is HE is MINE! He is MINE! And my friend, HE IS YOURS! He is yours!
Seven words that set me apart on this ‘Consecration Weekend,’ enabling me to walk in God’s freedom. Words that empower me to say ‘YES, Lord! Whatever You call me to, my answer is YES!’
On this new day of this new year, would you let these seven words penetrate the very depths of your soul? Would you carry this with you from now until forever? Would you let these seven words set you apart, enabling you to walk in His freedom, and empowering you to say, ‘YES, Lord! YES!’?
“I am Yours and You are mine.”
Sweetness, Jenifer. What a gift the Lord blessed you with today. Praise God for your church and their sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading.
It was a beautiful gift! I praise God for the body of believers He’s placed me in…oh, how my heart needed them!!