Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy New Year!



I recieved this declartion in an email this morning, and thought it was great! Be blessed. Let's run to win this coming year!

A Call to Radical Commitment
By Rick Warren

Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling, and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying.

Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me.

When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.

Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes!

I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"

What does this mean?

Today, I affirm this commitment to God and submit to his plans and purposes for my life, no matter what it takes.


11 comments:

Faith said...

Oh this was so good! I'm finishing up the book The Purpose Driven Life (read The Purpose Driven Church 2 years ago and it was GREAT!). I am loving it and I think Rick Warren is one anointed man of God. HAPPY NEW YEAR, Susan!

Susannah said...

I'm with you totally! Praise God we don't have to do it all on our own, though. I'm thankful the Spirit guides us and picks us up when we fail to live up to our lofty but well-intentioned ambitions to serve Him. :~D

When you get a chance, please stop by for my New Year's party.

Blessings to you Susan!

Crystal said...

Just wanted to stop by and wish you a blessed new year!

Unknown said...

What a great way to start the new year!

Tami said...

Whatever it takes. . .that's a scary prayer. I prayed it a while back and wow, did it hurt. I know I am better because of it and I can't say I wouldn't do it again, but it was a painful process. I do know there is no progress without our willingness to be molded, so I guess we have no choice if we love God, huh?

So are we partners in crime now or what? It was a pleasure to read your blog and be hooked up with you. Happy New Year.

Brian & Leslie Hailey said...

I saw your comment on the China Hope blog. I am a good friend of Joel and Jessica, and I am teaching at the same school where they were teaching last year before the went full-time language learners.

If my wife I can help you in any way with information, please let me know.

eph2810 said...

What a wonderful statement. Although the road of life can be weary at times, we sometimes waver, but with Him all things are possible. Thank you so much for sharing this powerful statement.

Susan, I need you to contact me in regards of the Laced with Grace giveaway. You have won the package. Thank you for your time to enter :)

Blessings to you and yours.

Lelia Chealey said...

Susan~
Thanks so much for sharing that. Much better than the resolutions of diets, etc....Thanks so much for not keeping that to yourself! I'm going to pass that on to my friends as well.
Many blessings my friend~
Lelia

Heather said...

What a great way to start the year! I might share this poem with my Bible study, which happens to be on radical obedience.

Also, Congrats on winning the prize at Laced with Grace!

Melissa in Mel's World said...

Susan,

What an amazing post! I popped over here to congratulate you on winning the Laced with Grace give away and was blown away with your words and wisdom!

As a mom of 2 sons (11 and 13) there is probably much I can learn from a mom of 5 sons...

It is so nice to meet you!

Pop over and visit some time in Mel's World, I'd love to see you!

Take Care,
Melissa

Denise said...

Greetings and hello..... I found you by going Laced with Grace...Your post touched my heart and stirred up the fire within me... I have walked with the Lord for 30 years now and this year I think I will RUN with the Lord...

thanks for the wonderful words to start our New Year.......