Fresh starts don’t have to be trendy

January 17, 2012 in Church,Theology with 14 Comments

image credit: Creation swap user Branden Shape

I started my 1-year Bible reading plan today.

16 days after the start of the new year.

Which is neither trendy nor inspiring.

Nobody wants to show up late to a party. Or be the last one to leave. Or catch on to the cool things after everyone else.

I was reading my Bible, but wasn’t in a specific plan, because quite frankly, I forgot to start one. (I was reading my Bible daily…just not as a part of a specific plan) With my trip to Costa Rica, I simply forgot to get cranking on the new plan.

Why does this matter?

Why does it matter that I’m starting my Bible reading plan 16 days after the rest of the world has started their plan, their diet, and their life changes?

Because there are changes that you haven’t made yet, either. There are things you know you need to do, but for whatever reason, you haven’t. And looking at the calendar could leave you paralyzed, because you had good intentions of making those changes over 2 weeks ago.

Maybe you forgot. Maybe you didn’t realize you needed to start. Maybe you intentionally chose to put things off.

Start now! No more procrastinating!

Whether what you’ve been wanting to do is start a Bible reading plan (I’m reading the chronological plan on YouVersion), start a blog, or quit smoking.

It’s time you forgave that person who wronged you.

It’s time to write that book.

It’s time to reach out to your neighbor.

It’s time to break that addiction.

It’s January 17th. It’s not the trendy time to make life changes. But who needs trendy times, anyway?

Instead of standing still, paralyzed by the mountain of changes that need to happen to move you where you need to be, do something. Take a step in the right direction, and God will reward that step.

Don’t wait until everyone else is making changes. Change now!

January 17th is my fresh start.

Care to join me?

 

What changes are you going to work on?

* image credit: Creation swap user Branden Shape

 

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  • http://bit.ly/hWr7Cw Rob T

    thanks Ben.  I found the youversion app, this year, to make this step a whole lot easier!

  • http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana

    The new year does bring with it a lot of “need to change” hype, but it’s when we make the changes at less-than-trendy times that we are more committed to sticking through. Great post, Ben!

  • Thomas

    I’ve started a couple of plans just three days ago.  For two reasons, at least for me, this is significant.

    1) I have a hard time making up my mind what to do. But as the saying goes, it’s better late than never.
    2) I like to go against the traditional flow of starting things at the first of the year. I guess I’m a rebel in this regard.

  • Cindy

    I frequently am encouraged by reminding myself that our God is all about new beginnings. I am someone who falls off the wagon or puts off even getting on.
    Great post to encourage us!

  • http://www.benreed.net Ben Reed

    Thanks mom! I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m an all-or-nothing kind of person. Sometimes I need the encouragement that says that even one small step in the right direction is something worth celebrating.

  • http://www.benreed.net Ben Reed

    “It’s better late than never.” So wise, Thomas.

    “I guess I’m a rebel in this regard.” Ahh…I’m in good company. :)

  • http://www.benreed.net Ben Reed

    You’re so right, Jason!

  • http://www.benreed.net Ben Reed

    I love it. I just found out, too, that they can email you your plan if you’d like. That way, every day it’s in your email inbox. Which is great! Unless your box is already too full…

  • http://www.lifeofasteward.com/ Loren Pinilis

    I think it was John Piper who said to absolutely make New Year’s Resolutions… but also August resolutions and March 17 resolutions. There’s nothing magical about one particular date on the calendar.

  • http://www.patrickcmarks.wordpress.com/ Patrick C Marks

    I’ve found out the hard way there is NO substitute for “just do it.” We make too many excuses and if “His promises are new every morning” we’ve no reason not to re-start every single day – don’t you think?

  • http://thomasmarkzuniga.com TMZ

    I committed the word “courageous” for this new year, but honestly, 2012 has felt anything but courageous 17 days in. Thanks for this great reminder to start fresh, even now.

  • http://www.benreed.net Ben Reed

    I like that, Loren. 

  • http://www.benreed.net Ben Reed

    Couldn’t agree more, Patrick!

  • http://www.benreed.net Ben Reed

    Yep, there’s no better day than today!