"The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever" (Psalm 23).
A better me in '23. All starts with a focus on "The Lord is my shepherd." In other words, the pathway to a better me is more of God. It is recognizing that God is your guide, your protection, your source, and your strength. The Lord is your shepherd. He is not a distant shepherd. He is close. So close he knows when you start to get off track.
Our church is reading Psalm 23 for the first 23 days of 2023. It is our all church commitment to get closer to our shepherd. Alongside our scripture reading we are making daily declarations based on Psalm 23. It is a 23-day declaration of the promises of God in Psalm 23.
You cannot just read the Bible - that's information. You must pull out the principles that God is teaching you through His Word - that's transformation. Too many people have information, but information with out transformation just becomes defamation. When you don't apply the word of God you damage the reputation of God to those around you. Apply the Word and declare it over your life!
So, how can you be a better me in '23:
DECLARE WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE.
Don’t declare what others have said about you, to you, or against you!
Don’t declare the negative thoughts in your own mind.
Declare the word of God over your life … every day.
CLEAN UP YOUR CIRCLE.
Oh, Church Unleashed, I say it all the time, your circle determines your cycle.
Some of us are expecting new things with old people.
I’m not talking about age … I’m talking about stage.
LIVE BOLD.
The Psalmist declared, “… your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6). When goodness and mercy are following you, then it is a lot easier to live bold for God.
His goodness makes you better than you are.
His love reminds you that no matter what you have value, and you have worth.
As God makes a better me in 23 … live bold, take some risks, try some new things.
The bold will be blessed.
The courageous will be content.
The audacious will be anointed.
The strong will be secure.
The tenacious will triumph.
The fearless will have favor.
We are going into a New Year. A Better Me in ’23. Declare it loud and proud today, "God will make a better me in '23."