The New Year brings new resolutions–a look back at what has been, and a look ahead to our dreams for what could be. Over Christmas this year, I resolved (along with millions of others) to make some serious changes in my diet…to lose weight and shape up physically.

Reading 1 Timothy 4 yesterday, though, I was reminded of reality:

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle,[d] for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers (NLT).

Looking ahead to my Dream Into It roadmap for the year, the diet disappeared–replaced by immersing myself in the Word and learning more about prayer and meditation. Yes, I want to cut back on calories, exercise more, and eat sensibly…but spiritual training is “much better.”

Along that line, here is today’s reading (via Laridian) from Daily Light on the Daily Path:

Sing to the LORD a new song.

Sing aloud to God our strength: make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. Take a psalm, and strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.—He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee wherever thou goest.—The joy of the LORD is your strength.—Paul…thanked God, and took courage.

Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in revellings and drunkenness, not in immorality and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the lusts of flesh.

Isa 42:10, Ps 81:1-2 & 40:3, Jos 1:9, Ne 8:10, Ac 28:15, Ro 13:11-14

May the Lord bless and keep you. May this be the best new year ever for you and your family. May His Spirit draw you near to the One who gives Life, to the one who is Love, to the One who has all Wisdom and Power.