I have been blessed with a visit from my sister and brother-in-law from Brazil for the past couple of weeks. Therefore I’ve been away from my computer, for good reason. I came across this great post by my dear friend Stephanie Wilkins and asked her permission to share it with my readers. Stephanie has started a wonderful ministry, encouraging people who suffer from Chronic Illnesses to thrive in their walk with Christ.

Learn more about her and her ministry on her blog: No More Bandaids. And here’s her New Year’s Post.

Blessings,

Patricia

As I step into this new year, the recognition of where I am, floods the brain, as I begin to process some of the unwise decisions I made last year.  Why did I decide to “not” put away the clean laundry for two weeks right before my parents came for a visit?  Why did I spend so much time on endless, projects at home and abroad and forget some very important dates on my calendar? How did I sweep hard discussions with family members and friends under the rug just to prevent a little pain that happens when relationships are sharpened?  Knowing that my body and mind are nourished by fresh foods and juices that God provides, why did I eat gluten free cupcakes at least three times a week for about a six week period? How come I blew off my exercise classes for three months last year? I’ll tell you why.  The wisdom of the Lord was not covering me during those times in my life and It was my decision not to wear it!  Guess what?  It caused me grief.  Maybe you’ve been there too!  It’s easy to make your life harder by doing things in the “old clothes” of our flesh!

As we learn to abide in Christ on a daily basis, we need to remember to ask for and then put on the wisdom of the Lord each day.  Most of the time, I’ve buried His wisdom under my own “old dirty clothes” that I continue to wear that caress my body and make me feel good although the stink is beginning to affect those around me.  I pray this year to more frequently uncover wisdom, and take off the old clothes that feel so good, and embrace wisdom until it covers me fully.  James 1:5 (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

May I be washed and regenerated by the holy wisdom of God the Father this year.  James 3:17 (ESV) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

As I peel off the “old clothes”, the exposure will be brutal at first and I will be cold.  As I put on the cloak that wisdom provides, it will itch at first, and it will be tight and not feel “normal”, but as I wear it daily, it will come to suit me perfectly and cover me fully, protecting me from the elements of this world.  Proverbs 3:13-18 (ESV) Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

Without refute or rebuttal, what I want in 2015 is to be wiser with my time, to be wiser with my words, and to be wiser in my decisions.   Proverbs 12:15 (ESV) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Thank you Lord for your infinite wisdom! Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.